Anthony Joshua has officially signed a deal to fight long-time heavyweight rival Tyson Fury, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, bringing one of British boxing’s most anticipated matchups closer to reality.

The showdown between the two former world heavyweight champions has been discussed for years, with negotiations repeatedly stalling despite strong public demand. Both fighters, who are two-time world champions, have dominated the heavyweight division and carried British boxing onto the global stage for more than a decade.

Hearn confirmed the breakthrough on social media on Monday, describing the long-awaited contest as “signed, sealed and delivered.”

Joshua also expressed confidence about the fight, saying: “As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.”

Before the blockbuster clash can take place, however, Joshua must first return to the ring against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 25 July. The 35-year-old Albanian enters the bout with a record of 20 wins—all by stoppage—and one defeat.

Joshua, now 36, has not fought since being involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria in December. The incident reportedly claimed the lives of two members of his team and forced the former champion to take time away from boxing.

Reflecting on his return, Joshua said he had needed time to regroup and prepare mentally and physically for the next stage of his career.

“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey,” he said.

His last appearance in the ring came against Jake Paul in December, before the tragic events later that month halted his momentum.

A confirmed date and venue for the Joshua-Fury fight have not yet been announced, although Hearn has previously suggested the bout could take place in November and may be broadcast by Netflix.

Joshua was recently present at Fury’s comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov, where Fury secured a comfortable decision victory and immediately called out his British rival. Fury attempted to invite Joshua into the ring after the win, but Joshua declined.

Following that fight, Team Fury revealed they had already signed their side of the agreement and were waiting for Joshua’s signature to complete the process.

Manchester United F.C. moved a step closer to securing a return to the UEFA Champions League after first-half goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko sealed an entertaining victory over Brentford F.C..

The win leaves United needing just two more points to confirm qualification, with four matches still remaining in the season. It also strengthens the work being carried out by interim boss Michael Carrick, who took charge after the departure of Ruben Amorim in January.

United made a strong start and took the lead after just 11 minutes when Casemiro rose to nod home from a tight angle. The goal came after Harry Maguire directed a header back across goal, allowing the experienced midfielder to finish at the far post.

Just before the interval, Bruno Fernandes added another moment of quality, delivering his 19th assist of the season—just one short of the Premier League record—by setting up Sesko for United’s second goal.

Depending on results elsewhere, including matches involving Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. and AFC Bournemouth, United could potentially secure their Champions League place before facing Liverpool F.C. at Old Trafford on Sunday.

For Brentford, the defeat was a major setback in their pursuit of European qualification for the first time in club history. It also extended their winless run to seven matches across all competitions.

Keith Andrews’s side created several excellent chances, especially in the first half, but failed to convert. Igor Thiago, who entered the match just three goals behind Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race, had multiple opportunities but struggled to make them count.

One particularly frustrating moment saw Thiago hesitate inside the box when a clear shooting chance opened up, attempting to shift onto his left foot instead of striking with his right before slipping and losing the opportunity.

Goalkeeper Senne Lammens also played a crucial role for United, producing excellent saves and benefiting from desperate defensive work, including efforts from Ayden Heaven to prevent Brentford from finding a breakthrough.

Mathias Jensen eventually pulled one back late on with a powerful strike three minutes from time, raising hopes of a dramatic finish. However, Brentford could not find an equaliser, with Mikkel Damsgaard’s late header going straight at Lammens.

Ryan Sessegnon delivered the decisive moment as Fulham F.C. strengthened their push for European qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aston Villa F.C. at Craven Cottage.

The result temporarily lifted Fulham into 10th place in the table, placing them firmly in contention for a European finish. They now sit just two points behind sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., keeping the race for continental football wide open as the season approaches its conclusion.

Sessegnon, who recently committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension this week, made the breakthrough late in the first half. After Emiliano Martínez reacted well to save a header from Saša Lukić, the rebound fell kindly for Sessegnon, who calmly swept the ball home to give Fulham the advantage.

The home side thought they had doubled their lead in the second half when Timothy Castagne headed into the net, but the effort was ruled out after a foul on Martínez was spotted during the build-up.

With Thomas Tuchel watching from the stands, Villa had opportunities to respond. Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers both missed chances, but Unai Emery’s side lacked sharpness throughout much of the contest.

The defeat comes at a critical stage for Villa, who are preparing for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest F.C. on Thursday. A win over Fulham would have significantly strengthened their hopes of securing a top-five Premier League finish and automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Instead, Villa now face added pressure in the final stretch of the domestic campaign, while Fulham continue to build momentum in their pursuit of an impressive European return.