Tyson Fury’s road toward a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua will first make a stop in Thailand. It was officially announced Tuesday that Fury will face veteran heavyweight Mariusz Wach on July 24 at Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya, Thailand. The bout comes just one day before Joshua returns to the ring against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia. Setting the stage for what many expect will be a blockbuster Battle of Britain later this year.
Although the matchup with Wach is widely viewed as a tune-up, Fury insists he is treating it with complete seriousness. “This 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,” Fury said.
“At the same time, I’m fully focused on preparing for a tough opponent and making sure I’m the best version of Tyson Fury going into fight night. It’s the start of a huge second half of the year for me.”
Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs) returned from retirement in April with a unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov after suffering consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.
Thailand Has Become Fury’s Second Home
Fury has developed a strong connection with Thailand, using the country as his training base before defeating Makhmudov. Now, he’s rewarding the local community by bringing a major boxing event to Pattaya.
Even more significant, profits from ticket sales will be donated to local charities. “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,” Fury said.
In recognition of those charitable efforts, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced Fury will receive the organization’s WBC Humanitarian Title during fight week.
Veteran Opponent Looks to Upset the Favorite
Standing across the ring will be longtime heavyweight contender Mariusz Wach. The 46-year-old Polish veteran owns a record of 39-13 with 20 knockouts and has shared the ring with many of the division’s biggest names. Including Wladimir Klitschko, Dillian Whyte, Martin Bakole, Jarrell Miller, Alexander Povetkin, Frazer Clarke, Moses Itauma and Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Despite his experience, Wach has struggled against elite competition, compiling an 8-12 record since late 2015. His most recent outing ended in a unanimous decision loss to Viktor Vykhryst in March.
Joshua Fight Looms Large
While Fury insists he isn’t overlooking Wach, the bigger prize remains a long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua. Joshua is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia. With both former heavyweight champions expected to emerge victorious. Before finalizing one of the most anticipated all-British heavyweight fights in boxing history.
Fury’s manager Spencer Brown emphasized the importance of taking care of business first. “This fight is serious preparation for his fight with Anthony Joshua, and we cannot afford any slip-ups at this stage,” Brown said.
“So Tyson will be ready, and I fully expect him to build on his performance at Tottenham Stadium in April.” Queensberry Promotions founder Frank Warren echoed that confidence.
“Boxing is a better place with Tyson Fury in it, so it’s fantastic to have him back in action on Friday, July 24,” Warren said.
“Tyson is in great shape and completely focused on putting on a show against Wach. He’s a true global superstar, and I have no doubt the fans will pack the place out in Thailand to watch a vintage performance from the Gypsy King.”
If everything goes according to plan. Fury and Joshua will each take care of business on back-to-back days before finally meeting later this year in one of boxing’s biggest heavyweight events.
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