'The Gypsy King' mounted his comeback from a year-plus retirement in April with a wide victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov.

That triumph at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw the gloss taken off for the star though when Joshua rebuffed his call-out.

Since then, 'AJ' has secured his own tune-up bout for late June, with Albanian Kristian Prenga his foe for a fight in Jeddah.

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Fury and Hall up the tempo

Relive DAZN FACE OFF here

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Originally, expectations had been that Fury would wait for Joshua - but now, the star has teased another clash for himself.

The question is this though - does the two-time world champion really need another fight? Or is this all part of the mind games?

What has Fury said about a second bout?

Ever since Joshua announced he would take a bout before facing Fury, the latter has vented his frustrations across social media.

Having originally hoped to face off with the London 2012 favourite in August or September, those plans are now firmly scotched.

Queensberry Promotions supremo Frank Warren subsequently floated the notion that his prize talent may turn to another option.

Subsequently, Fury posted a video on Instagram in late May, showing him deep in training for his latest trip between the ropes.

He kept the caption simple, but provided more than just a cryptic clue for his plans, writing: "Let's go August 1, Dublin, Ireland".

Where and who would Fury fight?

There is no need for rocket science here. Fury's statement all but confirms he plans to return to Dublin for the first time since 2009.

Queensberry Promotions already have a card lined up for the city's 3Arena, due to be headlined by Pierce O'Leary and Mark Chamberlain.

It is unknown whether Fury would supercede the pair at the top of the bill, or take a lower position as he seeks to add more rounds.

Who he would fight is another matter. If this is simply meant to be a quickfire jaunt, the star may opt for someone with lower wattage.

One man it will not be is Andy Ruiz Jr., however. The former world champion has already been ruled out by Warren as an option.

Why is Fury taking a second bout?

This is the kicker. Ostensibly, Fury - who has long said he wants three fights in 2026 - is taking another bout to warm up for Joshua.

Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

After such a long hiatus from the ring in 2025, it is more than sensible for 'The Gypsy King' to further regain his legs on the canvas.

But there could well be an ulterior motive in play. Coming just one week after Joshua's own bout, it plays like a psychological challenge. 

Fury has never been shy about goading his opponents. In effectively mimicking 'AJ' and his moves, he further pushes his agenda.

It fits the bill for the big man himself - but now, both will hope they come through their dances unscathed to set up their grand finale.

Watch Fury vs. Hall exclusively on DAZN

'The Beauty' Tommy Fury fights the 'The Beast' Eddie Hall on a great Misfits fight night on Saturday, June 13, exclusively live on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27), Joshua vs. Prenga (July 25) and Canelo vs. M'billi (Sept 12) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.