“The update is quite simple. We’ve signed the contract. We’re waiting for a date. You saw Tyson Fury on the elliptical trainer, shouting and screaming. There’s nothing to shout about. The fight’s done, the fight’s signed,” Hearn told DAZN Boxing. “No one can pull out of the fight. You can’t just pull out of a contract. So, we’re waiting on the date.”
The dispute remains tied to the location. Joshua’s agreement calls for the fight to take place in the UK, while Sela, Netflix and the other parties involved favor New York. Hearn has submitted separate terms that would allow Joshua to accept Madison Square Garden, but he made clear that his preference remains a British stadium.
If Sela rejects those changes, Hearn expects the company to follow the existing contract and deliver the event in the UK.
“If they deliver on the contract, which they have to legally, the fight’s happening in the UK, and we’ll be very, very happy,” Hearn said. “The only way it can stop from happening is if they actually breach the contract.”
That line leaves Sela with two direct options: honor the UK agreement or meet Joshua’s terms for America. Sela can still abandon the event in practice, but doing so may expose the company to a costly legal claim. The possible damages cannot be calculated without seeing the cancellation and breach provisions.
Hearn’s claim is legally forceful but practically overstated. Sela cannot withdraw without risking financial penalties, but it can still refuse to finance the event. A contract creates legal consequences for breaking an agreement; it does not guarantee that a boxing match reaches the ring.
The greater issue may come after the lawyers finish. Joshua has received some of his largest purses through Turki Alalshikh and Sela. Hearn can use the UK clause to secure better terms for New York, but pushing too far risks damaging the relationship that makes paydays of this size possible. Few other backers can offer Joshua comparable money at this stage of his career.
“Just waiting for a date” 👀
Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury is all signed ✍️#LiddardMorello | LIVE NOW on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/XYICRB6Hok
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 22, 2026
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