Promoter Eddie Hearn stepped into the spotlight to defend Anthony Joshua after Tyson Fury hinted that their much‑anticipated clash might not materialise. Hearn reminded everyone that history shows Joshua has never backed out of a bout, and he used the opportunity to question Fury’s own record of cancellations.
Both British heavyweights are slated to step into the ring this week as a final test before their showdown. Joshua will face Kristian Prenga, while Fury is set to fight Mariusz Wach. The two fights have been billed as must‑win warm‑ups, a last chance for each fighter to prove they are ready for the big night that fans expect in November. The exact date and venue for the Fury‑Joshua encounter remain under wraps, but the buzz is undeniable.
In a recent Sky Sports interview, Fury expressed uncertainty about the fight, suggesting he might take on "somebody else" later in the year if the bout does not come together. Hearn fired back, arguing that if anyone poses a flight risk, it is the Gypsy King, not the former champion. He pointed to Fury’s history of pulling out of high‑profile match‑ups, most notably the aborted showdown with Deontay Wilder that fell apart due to an arbitration ruling. Ahead of his own contest with Prenga, Joshua addressed the media with his characteristic confidence.
He said his ambition was to "conquer the earth and then the universe," but he deliberately avoided speaking about Fury, out of respect for his upcoming opponent. Still, he added that he would be unfazed if Fury—nicknamed The Gygy King—sat ringside watching the action. Hearn’s comments to Sky Sports were blunt and data‑driven.
"Look at history," he said. "Check the facts, check the résumé. If you really want to pick one fighter who’s more reliable, it isn’t a close‑run race." He went on to highlight Joshua’s spotless attendance record: "What fight has AJ ever signed for that he’s not competed in?
What fight has AJ ever pulled out of? He’s got the most solid résumé 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." Hearn reminded listeners that Joshua had previously signed a contract to fight Fury, only for Fury to withdraw.
"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," he warned. Logistical concerns have also entered the conversation.
Brent Council has yet to be approached about extending Wembley Stadium’s curfew to accommodate a 2 a.m. ring walk for the Fury‑Joshua fight.
Turki Al‑Sheikh, the businessman orchestrating the all‑British showdown, has said he wants the event to suit a global audience and plans to discuss timing with London’s mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan. Any extension beyond Wembley’s current 11 p.m. curfew would need approval from the stadium’s safety advisory group, of which Brent Council is a member.
When Sky Sports reached out for comment, Wembley declined to speak on unannounced events. The question remains whether Fury’s doubts are genuine or a strategic mind‑game.
Hearn suspects the latter, suggesting Fury may be trying to get inside Joshua’s head before the fight. "This build‑up is going to be epic," Hearn said.
"We know the fight is going to be epic. In and out of the ring, this is going to be box‑office.
We’ve waited a long time for this. It’s going to be spicy, funny and compelling—two very different characters. God willing they both get the wins on Friday and Saturday and we can finally get this thing on." He added, "There will be mind games.
Fury is the self‑professed king of those and he’s very good at it as well. Fury will think he can win the fight that way, before the first bell, but I think he will be very disappointed. AJ is mature enough to deal with that now." According to Hearn, the only realistic scenarios that could derail the November showdown are a loss or injury to either fighter in their upcoming bouts. "The only thing that’s going to stop the fight from happening in November is if one of these guys gets beat this weekend or picks up an injury," he said, tapping a wooden charm for luck.
"Touch wood, especially the first one—hopefully neither of those will happen." Prenga, Joshua’s opponent, remains something of an unknown quantity. All 20 of his professional victories have come by knockout, a statistic that makes Hearn urge caution. "Joshua is a great finisher, he’s done that his whole career," Hearn noted. "If he sees an opportunity, he’ll try to seize it.
But I think it’s a dangerous fight. Everybody talks about it being routine for AJ, but a lot has happened in his life. He’s had to come back from a huge amount physically, mentally and emotionally." He continued, "There will be a lot going through his mind on Saturday.
Two guys who have been with him throughout his career won’t be there. I’m sure he’ll be fighting for them as well.
Then there’s the challenge of a big, strong, heavy‑handed, motivated fighter who’s coming to change his life. AJ has to take him out before he takes you out. That’s heavyweight boxing.
Prenga is dangerous. If he catches you on the chin, you’ll know about it. AJ has got to be disciplined and switched on." In summary, Hearn’s message is clear: Anthony Joshua is the more dependable party, and unless an unforeseen injury or upset occurs, the much‑talked‑about Fury‑Joshua clash should go ahead as planned. The promotional battle is heating up, the logistical pieces are being negotiated, and the fighters are sharpening their skills.
Fans worldwide can expect a dramatic buildup, and, if all goes to plan, a historic heavyweight showdown that could redefine the British boxing landscape.