Johnny Nelson Urges Anthony Joshua To Fight Tyson Fury In 2026 Or Retire

Former WBO cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson has issued a clear ultimatum to Anthony Joshua: either finally fight Tyson Fury in 2026 or hang up the gloves for good.

Joshua, once regarded as the face of modern heavyweight boxing, hasn’t stepped into the ring since his devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in 2024. Following that, elbow surgery earlier this year further stalled his return, leaving fans and analysts questioning what’s next for the former two-time heavyweight champion.

Now back in the gym and seemingly preparing for a tune-up fight, Joshua’s comeback appears to be inching closer. But the big-name bout that fans have been clamoring for — Joshua vs. Fury — still hasn’t been booked.

And Johnny Nelson, speaking with talkSPORT, didn’t hold back.

“I think Anthony Joshua has nothing else to prove in this game, and he should rather walk away than hang about and let someone turn him over,” Nelson said.

“It’s either him and Tyson Fury, which we’re all sick of — is it happening or isn’t it — or just walk out of it. He’s a very comfortable, wealthy man.”

Stalled Comeback, Unfinished Business

Joshua’s name continues to circulate in boxing circles, and while several potential opponents have been suggested for his 2026 return, nothing concrete has emerged. That uncertainty is feeding a growing narrative: has AJ lost the hunger?

The long-teased mega-fight with Fury has always loomed large over his career. But after missed timelines, politics, injuries, and losses, time may be running out.

The Market Impact Of A Joshua-Fury Clash

From a sports market perspective, a Joshua vs. Fury bout remains one of the most commercially lucrative fights that can be made in boxing — not just for UK fans, but globally. It’s a legacy-defining matchup that could generate hundreds of millions in pay-per-view revenue, ticket sales, and brand sponsorships.

Both men are nearing the twilight of their careers, and the window to make this fight both meaningful and marketable is closing fast. If it doesn’t happen in 2026, it may never happen at all — and that would be a loss for the sport and the market alike.

A Crossroads Moment

Nelson’s comments reflect what many fans are thinking: Joshua’s career is at a crossroads. After achieving world champion status, selling out stadiums, and becoming a global name, the next chapter needs to either restore his legacy or gracefully close the book.

Will 2026 finally be the year the Fury fight gets made? Or will Joshua decide he’s had enough?

At Sports Market International, we’ll be tracking every jab, headline, and negotiation — because in boxing, timing is everything.