Tyson Fury vs Mariusz Wach Official For July 24 Fight Before Anthony Joshua Showdown

Fury faces 46-year-old veteran Mariusz Wach in Thailand before beginning the final phase of preparations for Anthony Joshua

Tyson Fury has confirmed Mariusz Wach a(39-13, 20 KOs) s his final opponent before meeting Anthony Joshua later this year, opting for the experienced Polish veteran over a higher-risk assignment. The July 24 fight in Thailand comes as Fury enters the closing stage of his preparations for British boxing’s biggest heavyweight showdown.

The announcement immediately shifts attention to Fury’s choice of opponent, with Wach entering the bout after losing eight of his last 12 fights.

The 46-year-old Pole once challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the heavyweight championship and shared the ring with Dillian Whyte, Joseph Parker and Hughie Fury. His recent results tell a different story. Wach was stopped in two rounds by Moses Itauma in 2024 after suffering a sixth-round knockout defeat to Arslanbek Makhmudov two years earlier.

Fury, meanwhile, defeated Makhmudov by wide unanimous decision earlier this year, adding another layer to a matchup that appears heavily weighted in his favour.

The Thailand bout comes less than two weeks before Fury begins the final stretch of preparations for Anthony Joshua. Both former heavyweight champions have opted for stay-busy fights before meeting later this year, with Joshua scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia.

Fury said the event carries significance beyond boxing.

“2026 is a landmark year for me in boxing, and I’m excited to be able to bring this event to Pattaya, a part of the world that is special to me.

“We’re coming together to put on a great show for the fans, while using the opportunity to give back to the local community, who have been so good to me every time I have visited.”

The show will raise money for local charities in Pattaya, with ticket proceeds supporting community projects. The WBC has also confirmed it will present Fury with its inaugural Humanitarian Title during the event in recognition of the charitable initiative.

Fury’s manager Spencer Brown said there is no room for overlooking the assignment despite the gap in recent form between the two heavyweights.

“This fight is serious preparation for his fight with Anthony Joshua, and we cannot afford any slip-ups at this stage.”

The announcement answers one question and raises another. Fury has chosen experience over danger for his final outing before Joshua. Wach still brings size and durability, but his recent record offers little evidence that he can replicate the speed, timing or offensive threat Fury is expected to face when British boxing’s biggest heavyweight rivalry finally reaches the ring.

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