Tyson Fury has cast doubt on whether a long-anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua will take place, despite both boxers preparing for bouts that could pave the way for their showdown later this year.

Fury, 37, is scheduled to face Mariusz Wach, while Joshua, 36, will fight Kristian Prenga the following day. Success in these matches is seen as a crucial step toward finalizing a date and venue for the highly anticipated British heavyweight clash.

However, Fury expressed skepticism about Joshua’s willingness to engage fully in the promotional build-up and the fight itself. The reigning WBC heavyweight champion questioned Joshua’s resolve, suggesting that verbal exchanges and press events could intimidate his rival into withdrawing.

“Until that fight happens and we walk into the ring, I’m not convinced it does happen,” Fury said. He further described Joshua as “stiff” and doubted the former unified heavyweight champion would sit at a press conference with him or endure the verbal confrontations Fury intends to deliver.

Fury’s comments highlight a longstanding rivalry that, despite its intensity and media attention, has yet to see the two fighters meet face to face. Both have built their careers amidst periodic exchanges of animosity and competitive tension, but a direct encounter has remained elusive.

Fury will be in Saudi Arabia as Joshua competes, though he expressed little expectation of a face-to-face confrontation during the event. He referred to Joshua using dismissive terms, calling him a “bottlejob,” a “flapper,” and a “chinless wonder.”

Joshua’s camp has not publicly responded to Fury’s remarks, and both fighters remain focused on their upcoming matches. Should they both secure victories, the path may be cleared for promoters and stakeholders to confirm details for what is widely anticipated to be one of the most significant heavyweight bouts in recent years.