Anthony Joshua Says He Is Open to Crossing Into MMA or Kickboxing
His comments raise questions about the July 25 tune‑up in Jeddah that promoters say is the first step toward a possible fight with Tyson Fury later in 2026.
Overview
- Joshua said on June 4 on the Mr Verzace podcast that he is considering ‘stepping over’ into MMA or kickboxing while stressing that boxing remains the pinnacle of combat sports.
- He told the podcast he would only consider a crossover for a named, credible opponent and framed the idea as a business and sporting possibility rather than a confirmed plan.
- Joshua is still scheduled to fight Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Jeddah, a bout promoters present as a tune‑up tied to a brokered two‑fight path toward a proposed Joshua–Fury matchup later in 2026.
- Coverage notes crossover precedent and mixed outcomes — Joshua beat Francis Ngannou in a 2024 boxing match while other crossovers like Holly Holm and James Toney had very different results — underscoring both financial upside and athletic risk.
- Saudi‑backed promoters and Matchroom are central to the near‑term roadmap, and observers say the Prenga fight’s result will materially affect any Tyson Fury dates and whether Joshua pursues a crossover bout.