Streaming giant Netflix has entered the race to secure broadcasting rights for the much-anticipated heavyweight clash between British boxers Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
The long-awaited showdown, which has been on fans’ wish lists for years, appears to be edging closer to reality, with Netflix reportedly prepared to make a substantial financial commitment to land the rights for the mega-fight in 2025.
With over 300 million global subscribers, Netflix’s potential involvement could mark a major shift in how high-profile boxing events are delivered to audiences worldwide.
The move comes as traditional broadcasters such as HBO, Showtime, NBC, and ESPN have scaled back their coverage of the sport, leaving room for digital platforms to reshape the industry.
Joshua, 35, has been vocal about his desire to face Fury this year, emphasizing that the fight “has to happen,” despite Fury’s recent retirement declaration following his defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Promoter Eddie Hearn reaffirmed that the blockbuster bout remains a priority. “In an ideal world, he will fight Fury,” Hearn told talkSPORT, while also acknowledging that Joshua is considering alternative opponents like Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker, Agit Kabayel, and Deontay Wilder.
Former world champion Amir Khan weighed in on the potential matchup, calling it a highly competitive contest. “It’s a 50/50 contest now,” Khan remarked, attributing the shift to Fury’s recent losses, which he believes have balanced the odds between the two heavyweights.
Joshua has not fought since his loss to Dubois in November, a setback that derailed his hopes of reclaiming the world heavyweight title for a third time.
Though offered an immediate rematch, his camp declined, citing injuries and inadequate preparation time.
While some analysts believe this fight may have lost some of its prime-time appeal due to both fighters’ current rankings outside the top two heavyweights, its commercial value remains massive. Industry estimates suggest the event could generate hundreds of millions of dollars.
Netflix’s growing push into live sports content aligns with this potential deal, though the platform has faced challenges with previous boxing broadcasts, including technical issues during the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight.
If successful in acquiring the Joshua-Fury rights, Netflix could position itself as a dominant player in the live sports streaming landscape.
