Heavyweight rivals Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are scheduled to meet in person for the first time in close to five years, an encounter that will further fuel excitement for their long-awaited potential British clash.
These two former world champions have been destined to fight for what feels like an eternity, their domestic rivalry a seemingly timeless narrative in the sport.
While a fight agreement remains elusive, their upcoming interaction suggests a glimmer of hope for fans who are still eager to witness the two titans collide.
Although they haven`t finalized a fight contract, both fighters have confirmed they will be present at the IBA.PRO 7 event in Istanbul, Turkiye, on July 2nd.
The Istanbul event, expected to draw numerous celebrities, will feature a main event between WBA `interim` super-featherweight champion Albert Batyrgaziev and Jazza Dickens.
For Dickens, this is a chance to re-enter the world title conversation, while Batyrgaziev aims to solidify his position as a top contender at 130 pounds.
However, the unexpected meeting between Fury and Joshua is likely to steal some of the spotlight and add significant buzz to the evening.
Their previous recorded interaction occurred in Marbella, when Fury drove up next to Joshua in a luxury vehicle.
Despite creating a buzz on social media, that 2020 meeting did not lead to any serious discussions about a potential fight.
More recently, `The Gypsy King` seemed to distance himself from a fight with Joshua, even briefly announcing his retirement earlier this year.
Nevertheless, the lingering hope among fans could be significantly boosted if the two fighters are seen interacting or exchanging words ringside.
Adding to the star power, figures like supermodel Naomi Campbell, Ryan Garcia, and Terence Crawford are also anticipated to attend, alongside other notable boxing personalities.
