Tyson Fury Returns Against Mariusz Wach in Thailand Ahead of Anthony Joshua Fight

Tyson Fury will return to the ring later this month before his long-awaited heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua, taking on Poland's Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24, streaming live on Netflix.

The bout, scheduled to take place at Pattaya's Max Muay Thai Stadium, serves as Fury's final outing before the pair's blockbuster all-British clash later this year. Joshua is also set for a stay-busy bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia the following day.

All profits generated from the event, including ticket sales, will be donated to local charities in Pattaya, with everyone involved hoping the evening will give back to the local community.

The 46-year-old, who hails from Krakow, Poland, owns a professional boxing record of 39 wins from 51 fights, with 20 of those victories coming by knockout.

The name may ring a bell for fans who follow British heavyweights, with Moses Itauma, Frazer Clarke, Dillian Whyte and Tyson's cousin Hughie Fury all having recorded victories over the Polish veteran.

For Tyson Fury, the man needs little introduction.

The Gypsy King is coming off a decision victory over Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov, live on Netflix, in April earlier this year.

The multiple-time heavyweight world champion remained unbeaten until May 2024, when Oleksandr Usyk handed him a split decision defeat.

In the rematch between the Brit and the Ukrainian in December of the same year, Usyk once again got the better of the taller and heavier heavyweight with another decision victory.

Of course, Fury's trilogy with Deontay Wilder remains one of the defining rivalries of the modern heavyweight era, with the Brit winning the final two contests after their first meeting ended in a draw.

Fury has spent much of his training camp in Southeast Asia alongside his family, preparing in unfamiliar surroundings ahead of his upcoming bout with Anthony Joshua. It is therefore no surprise to see the former world champion taking a fight in the region before their highly anticipated showdown.

Neither Tyson Fury nor Anthony Joshua can afford to lose their respective fights on July 24 and 25 if either man still wants the opportunity to finally face the other.

Fury's manager, Spencer Brown, said:

"This fight is serious preparation for his fight with Anthony Joshua and we cannot afford any slip-ups at this stage. So, Tyson will be ready and I fully expect him to build on his performance at Tottenham Stadium last April."

He added:

"I've always said Tyson has the biggest heart in boxing and what he is doing for the people of Pattaya is a true reflection of his character."

Queensbury Promotions founder Frank Warren added:

"Tyson is in great shape and completely focused on putting on a show against Mariusz Wach. He's a true global superstar and I've no doubt the fans will pack the place out in Thailand to watch a vintage performance from the Gypsy King."

Regardless of the result, the World Boxing Council (WBC) will present Tyson Fury with the inaugural WBC Humanitarian Title in recognition of his charitable efforts in Thailand.