Promoter Eddie Hearn has appealed to Tyson Fury, urging him to end the uncertainty by confirming a return to the ring for a potential fight against Anthony Joshua. Hearn suggests Fury`s confirmation would “put us out of our misery.”
Despite previously announcing his retirement after his rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December in Saudi Arabia, Fury has recently hinted at a comeback through social media activity.
Hearn confirmed that Anthony Joshua is scheduled for minor keyhole surgery on his elbow. However, he is confident that a “clear path” exists to make the massive British bout a reality once Joshua has fully recovered, expected after September.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn described Tyson Fury as being “a bit of a tease” with his frequent social media posts showing him training, even doing 12 rounds with wraps on, despite his retirement claims. Hearn directly addressed Fury, questioning his intentions: “Why are you doing this to us? What are you doing? Are you just deliberately playing with our minds or are you coming back? Just let us know either way. Put us out of our misery.”
Hearn reiterated Joshua`s post-September readiness following his surgery, stating, “It`s there, isn`t it? Let`s just make it happen.” He emphasized the unparalleled scale of a Fury vs. Joshua fight, calling it “the biggest fight, not just in British boxing, in world boxing, by a mile.” Hearn feels the timing is right, acknowledging that making the fight relies on Fury`s willingness. He believes Fury`s competitive spirit will ultimately lead him to want the challenge against Joshua, urging him to “dust those shoes off and let`s make it happen.”
Hearn expressed his belief that arranging a fight between Fury and Joshua is now simpler than in the past. He highlighted his improved working relationship with Fury`s promoter, Frank Warren, as a key factor.
Furthermore, the fact that neither Joshua (who lost to Daniel Dubois in September) nor Fury currently hold world championship titles is seen as potentially simplifying negotiations further.
Hearn asserted the fight could be agreed upon with just “one phone call,” contrasting this with previous complexities involving differing title statuses and strained relationships between the camps. He stressed that past issues should be forgotten, as both fighters remain huge stars despite not holding belts. He emphasized, “We`ve got the path now to make it happen.” Referencing the successful Benn-Eubank fight, Hearn suggested a Fury-Joshua clash would be significantly larger and expressed quiet confidence that it could materialize.
Should Fury decide against a comeback this year, Hearn mentioned alternative potential opponents for Joshua. These include Dillian Whyte or Daniel Dubois, who is scheduled for an undisputed heavyweight rematch against Usyk in July at Wembley.
Hearn added that if Dubois were to defeat Usyk and become the undisputed champion, Joshua would likely be keen on challenging him. While other contenders like a returning Dillian Whyte are possibilities, Hearn concluded that the fight Anthony Joshua wants most is against Tyson Fury, acknowledging that making it happen ultimately rests on Fury`s decision.
Murray Blackwood