Boxing analyst Jeff Powell MBE has characterized the upcoming fights for Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as "fights in name only," suggesting their opponents are not of a caliber to serve as genuine sparring partners, let alone challenging contenders. Fury is scheduled to fight veteran Mariusz Wach in Bangkok on Friday, July 24, 2026, while Joshua will face Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Powell notes that Fury plans to travel from Bangkok to Riyadh shortly after his bout to attend Joshua's fight. He posits that the choice of venues, such as Pattaya in Thailand for Fury and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia for Joshua, indicates these are preparatory matches rather than significant contests. The commentary suggests that the actual opponents are unlikely to be considered for the role of sparring partners for Fury or Joshua.
Mariusz Wach, described as a veteran, has a professional record of 39 wins and 13 defeats. His career decline was noted following a loss to Wladimir Klitschko 14 years ago, a fight during which he also failed a drugs test. Powell states that Wach, approaching his 46th birthday, has become a "useful punch-bag" for other British heavyweights and was notably defeated quickly by Moses Itauma two years prior.
Kristian Prenga, an Albanian fighter with a record of 20 knock-out wins against one points defeat, is largely unknown outside his native country. He has competed on undercards primarily in the New York and New Jersey areas. Prenga expressed confidence at a press conference, suggesting Joshua's team had overlooked his knockout record and Joshua's diminished ability to withstand a powerful punch.
However, Powell highlights Joshua's background as a former Olympic gold medallist and two-time world heavyweight champion, asserting he is stepping into a much higher level of competition. Joshua is reportedly motivated by the recent deaths of two close friends and team members in a car crash in Africa, an incident he also survived.
The potential mega-bout between Fury and Joshua is anticipated for later in 2026, with November being a likely month. Wembley Stadium has been discussed as a venue, contingent on local council approval for a later broadcast time to accommodate American television audiences. Fury's bout with Wach is for private screening only, while Joshua's fight against Prenga will be televised live on DAZN pay-per-view. The anticipated Fury-Joshua fight is expected to be streamed live on Netflix.