Fury and Joshua meet at London press conference ahead of December heavyweight bout

London – Heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua met at a press conference on Wednesday to promote their scheduled bout at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Dec. 11. The two fighters, whose rivalry has spanned more than a decade, exchanged pleasantries and jokes, with both indicating a willingness to move past past disputes.

Fury, 38, described Joshua as “a role model and poster boy for British boxing for years,” while Joshua, 36, called the event “breathtaking” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring a major fight to Great Britain. The pair shared a light-hearted moment when Joshua pretended to tickle Fury’s stomach, and later discussed meeting for a pint after the fight.

The conference, introduced by veteran announcer Michael Buffer, featured the fighters entering from opposite sides of the stage – Joshua in a grey tracksuit and sunglasses, Fury in a bright emerald suit. Fans in attendance cheered each name, and the atmosphere was described as cordial rather than confrontational.

The bout is expected to be contested for the vacant WBA ‘super’ heavyweight title, though the current WBA champion’s camp has lodged an objection to the proposed title arrangement. Promotional negotiations have previously been uncertain, but both fighters’ camps appear aligned for the December showdown.

“I hope after this fight we can have a pint of Guinness together, win, lose or draw, let’s bury the hatchet,” Fury said.

“I don’t know if I can trust you,” Joshua replied, prompting laughter.

Organisers from Matchroom Boxing and The Ring were present, while UFC president Dana White, whose involvement had been hinted at in earlier reports, did not attend. The event concluded with both fighters emphasizing respect for each other’s careers and looking forward to the upcoming contest.