Matchroom chairman points to Fury’s withdrawal history as Joshua prepares to keep the November heavyweight clash on course in Jeddah.
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Eddie Hearn says Tyson Fury has no grounds to question Anthony Joshua’s commitment to their planned November fight. He argued Joshua has never failed to honor a signed bout, while Fury has withdrawn from major fights in the past.
Fury recently raised doubts about whether the long-awaited heavyweight clash would happen, saying he was prepared to face another opponent later this year if necessary. Hearn dismissed the claim and pointed to each fighter’s record when major bouts have been signed.
“Look at history. Check the facts, check the resume. If you really want to pick one fighter who’s more reliable than the other, I don’t think it’s a close-run race,” Hearn told Sky Sports Boxing.
Hearn said Joshua has consistently honored every agreement throughout his professional career.
“What fight has AJ ever signed for that he’s not competed in? What fight has AJ ever pulled out of?”
He also referenced the collapsed Fury-Joshua agreement from 2021, when an arbitration ruling ordered Fury to complete a third fight with Deontay Wilder instead of facing Joshua.
“He’s got the most solid resume and the most professional attitude of any fighter I’ve ever worked with. Can we say the same about Tyson Fury? No. That’s the reality of the situation.”
The November fight still depends on both heavyweights completing this week’s assignments. Joshua faces Kristian Prenga on Saturday in Jeddah, while Fury boxes Mariusz Wach on Friday in Thailand.
Hearn believes Fury’s comments are part of the build-up rather than a sign the fight is in danger. He expects the bout to move ahead provided both men come through their scheduled contests without defeat or injury.
“Don’t forget, AJ has not only fought every contender he could have, he also previously signed to fight Tyson Fury, who pulled out of the fight because of an arbitration ruling involving Deontay Wilder.
“So don’t worry about AJ, he’s as game as they come. But we have our doubts about whether Fury will turn up, especially if AJ looks great on Saturday night.”
For now, the November agreement remains intact. The immediate task for Joshua and Fury is to win this week and keep one of British boxing’s biggest fights on course.
Last Updated on 2026/07/23 at 12:01 PM
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