Fury vs Joshua: Joe Joyce backs Fury and questions Joshua’s chin

Joe Joyce has backed Tyson Fury to beat Anthony Joshua after sparring both heavyweights, pointing to Fury’s footwork and questioning Joshua’s ability to withstand a clean shot.

The British heavyweight is helping Fury prepare for their long-awaited meeting at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday 11 December. The fight will stream live on Netflix.

Joyce believes Fury’s movement and work with trainer SugarHill Steward could make it a difficult night for Joshua, although he warned that the former champion’s punching power remains a threat.

Fury vs Joshua prediction: why Joe Joyce favours Fury

Speaking to Sun Boxing, in comments reported by Boxing News, Joyce said Joshua’s vulnerability against Kristian Prenga in July had influenced his assessment.

“If Fury hits him with a shot like that and he keeps going and moving and stuff, then I think that it is a difficult night for Joshua,” he said.

Joyce also offered an encouraging assessment of the preparation he has witnessed inside Fury’s camp.

“He [Fury] is in a good state of mind and skills-wise, with his footwork and the work that we are doing with SugarHill Steward, I am in favour of Fury,” he added.

His prediction comes with experience of both men. Joyce previously sparred Joshua during his time working with Rob McCracken and is now sharing the ring with Fury ahead of the Cardiff showdown.

He is also part of Fury’s preparations, a connection that provides context for his assessment.

Joyce warns Anthony Joshua still carries knockout power

Joshua’s two-round fight with Prenga is central to Joyce’s concerns, but the “Juggernaut” stopped short of writing off his chances against Fury.

“AJ has obviously got a puncher’s chance, he hits really hard and he can put shots together but his chin is a little bit suspect as he has shown that he can be dropped,” Joyce said.

The distinction in his prediction is clear: he favours Fury’s movement and skills over the course of the fight, while recognising that Joshua has the power to change it.

Fury and Joshua have never faced each other professionally. December’s contest will finally bring together two former heavyweight world champions whose proposed meeting has been discussed for more than a decade.

When is Fury vs Joshua and how can fans watch?

Netflix confirms that Fury vs Joshua takes place at Principality Stadium on Friday 11 December 2026, with the event streaming live on the platform.

Fans in Britain should plan for a late night. Cardiff’s official event announcement says the main contest is scheduled for the early hours of the morning, meaning Saturday 12 December in the UK. An exact ring-walk time has not been confirmed in that announcement.

Our Fury vs Joshua date and fight guide has further event details.

Fury vs Joshua undercard adds Wilder against Opetaia

Deontay Wilder will face Jai Opetaia on the supporting card, with the unbeaten Australian moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight.

Wilder brings a 45-4-1 record, while Opetaia is unbeaten in 31 professional fights. Their addition gives the bill another heavyweight contest involving a former world champion and a fighter stepping into the division.

Read our report on Wilder vs Opetaia being confirmed and follow the Fury vs Joshua undercard page for further announcements.