Promoter Eddie Hearn has stepped into the spotlight to defend Anthony Joshua after the reigning heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, hinted that their much‑anticipated all‑British showdown might never materialise. Hearn reminded the media and fans that, historically, Joshua has never backed out of a bout, contrasting Fury’s own record of withdrawals and suggesting that the real risk lies with the Gypsy King rather than the former world champion. Both British heavyweights are slated to step back into the ring this week as final warm‑up fights before the potential clash. Joshua will face Kristian Prenga, while Fury is set to battle Mariusz Wach.
These contests have been billed as must‑win tests, a way for each fighter to prove they are still on top of their game and ready for the November showdown that promoters hope will finally bring the two rivals together. The exact date and venue for that encounter remain unconfirmed, but the buzz surrounding the fight has reached fever pitch. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Fury expressed uncertainty about the bout, saying he is open to fighting "somebody else" later in the year if the Joshua fight does not come together. Hearn responded swiftly, arguing that Fury’s own history of pulling out of fights makes him the more unreliable party.
"Look at history," Hearn told Sky Sports. "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 went on to highlight Joshua’s spotless record when it comes to honoring contracts.
"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 resume and the most professional attitude of any fighter I've ever worked with," he said.
By contrast, Hearn painted Fury as a more erratic figure, noting that the Gypsy King previously withdrew from a scheduled clash with Deontay Wilder due to an arbitration ruling. "If odds are being thrown around about who might pull out of this fight, trust me, it isn't Anthony Joshua," Hearn asserted.
Joshua himself, during his pre‑fight press conference for the Prenga bout, adopted a lofty tone, declaring his ambition to "conquer the earth and then the universe." He deliberately avoided direct commentary on Fury, stating he did not want to disrespect his upcoming opponent. Nonetheless, he added a hint of confidence, saying he would be unfazed even if Fury were watching from ringside.
The logistical side of the potential November event is also under discussion. Brent Council has yet to be approached about extending Wembley Stadium’s current 11 p.m.
curfew to accommodate a 2 a.m. ring walk, a request that would be necessary for a global‑time‑zone friendly start. Turki Al‑Sheikh, the businessman spearheading the all‑British bout, has indicated a desire to schedule the fight at a time that maximises worldwide viewership, and he plans to negotiate with London’s mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, on the matter.
Wembley officials declined to comment on any unannounced plans when contacted by Sky Sports. Hearn speculated that Fury’s public doubts might be a psychological tactic, a way to get under Joshua’s skin before the two finally meet. "This build‑up is going to be epic," he 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 also warned that the only realistic scenarios that could derail the November fight 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," Hearn explained, adding a hopeful "touch wood" for both athletes. Prenga, Joshua’s opponent for Saturday, remains a relatively unknown challenger, but his record of 20 professional victories—all by knockout—makes him a dangerous prospect. Hearn urged caution, noting that while Joshua is a proven finisher, the heavyweight’s path has been anything but smooth.
"He's had to come back from a huge amount physically, mentally and emotionally," Hearn said, acknowledging the personal battles Joshua has faced outside the ring. He emphasized that Joshua will be fighting not just for himself, but for the team members who have supported him throughout his career. The upcoming fights serve as a litmus test for both men.
Fury will look to demonstrate that he remains the dominant force in the division, while Joshua aims to showcase his resilience and power ahead of the potential clash. Hearn’s comments suggest that, beyond the physical preparation, the mental game will be crucial.
"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," Hearn remarked. In summary, Eddie Hearn has painted a picture of Anthony Joshua as the more dependable, battle‑tested fighter, while casting doubt on Tyson Fury’s willingness to honour a future bout.
The next few weeks will see both heavyweights step into the ring for their respective warm‑up fights, and the outcomes of those contests could either cement the path to a historic November showdown or raise further questions about its feasibility. Regardless of the result, the narrative surrounding the potential Joshua‑Fury clash continues to capture the imagination of boxing fans worldwide, promising an epic showdown that could define the era for British heavyweight boxing.