Tyson Fury is set to put his long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua at risk by facing an undefeated contender in the interim.

Ahead of what many still consider the biggest fight in boxing, Joshua booked a warm-up bout and has since been confirmed to face Albania’s Kristian Prenga, 20-1 (20 KOs), in Saudi Arabia on July 25.

Fury, meanwhile, had originally hoped to meet ‘AJ’ in the summer without allowing his rival the luxury of a prior contest. However, with the fight pushed back, ‘The Gypsy King’ confirmed he would have an outing of his own, setting up a three-fight 2026 schedule.

While an opponent has yet to be officially announced, Boxing News understands Fury is likely to face another Albanian heavyweight in Nelson Hysa. The 41-year-old has compiled an unbeaten 24-fight record, with 22 victories coming inside the distance.

Hysa – understood to be a leading option, though not yet a done deal – is both a regular sparring partner and promotional stablemate of Fury, having signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions last year. The Shkodër-born heavyweight is also regarded as a major ticket seller in London.

‘The Gypsy King’ previously stated that he would be returning on August 1 in Dublin, likely on the undercard of Pierce O’Leary vs Mark Chamberlain if that is the date, but may also go later in the month.