Promoter Eddie Hearn has taken to the airwaves to remind fans that Anthony Joshua’s track record shows a fighter who never backs out of a bout, directly countering recent comments from Tyson Fury that the much‑anticipated all‑British heavyweight showdown might never materialise. The two British giants are each slated to step back into the ring this week – Joshua against Kristian Prenga and Fury versus Mariusz Wach – in what both camps have billed as crucial, must‑win warm‑up fights before the eventual clash.
The showdown itself is still slated for November, though the exact date and venue have yet to be confirmed. In a recent Sky Sports interview, Fury hinted at doubts, suggesting he might be willing to face "somebody else" later in the year if the Joshua fight does not come together. Hearn was quick to fire back, arguing that Fury, not Joshua, represents the bigger risk of pulling a last‑minute exit, citing the Gypsy King’s history of fight cancellations.
Ahead of his own bout with Prenga on Saturday, Joshua addressed the media with his usual confidence, declaring his ambition to "conquer the earth and then the universe". He deliberately avoided mentioning Fury, stating that he did not want to disrespect his immediate opponent. Still, he added a cheeky line that he would be unfazed even if Fury – known as "The Gypsy King" – were to sit ringside for the night. "Look at history," Hearn told Sky Sports.
"Check the facts, check the résumé. 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." He continued, emphasizing Joshua’s flawless 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." By contrast, Hearn argued, Fury’s record shows several instances where deals fell through, most notably a previously arranged bout with Joshua that was abandoned after an arbitration ruling involving Deontay Wilder.
Hearn’s confidence in Joshua was clear: "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." The logistical side of the potential November fight is also under discussion. Brent Council has yet to be approached about extending Wembley Stadium’s curfew, which currently ends at 11 p.m., to accommodate a 2 a.m.
ring walk for the event. Turki Al‑Sheikh, the businessman spearheading the all‑British bout, has said he wants a start time that works for a global television audience and plans to negotiate with London’s mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan. Any curfew extension would need approval from Wembley’s safety advisory group, of which the council is a member. When Sky Sports reached out for comment, Wembley declined to speak on unannounced events.
Whether Fury’s hesitation is genuine or a mind‑game tactic remains to be seen. Hearn suggested the latter, noting that the Gypsy King is a master of psychological warfare and might be trying to get under Joshua’s skin before the first bell.
"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." Hearn also warned that the only realistic scenarios that could derail the November showdown are a defeat or an injury to either heavyweight this weekend. "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, adding a hopeful "touch wood" for both fighters. Joshua’s opponent, Kristian Prenga, remains a relatively unknown quantity, but his record – 20 professional wins, all by knockout – makes him a dangerous test.
Hearn cautioned that while Joshua is a proven finisher, the fight could still pose significant risks. "If he sees an opportunity, he'll try to seize it," Hearn explained. "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." The British champion will also be fighting with the weight of his support team on his shoulders. "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," Hearn noted. Prenga, described as a big, strong, heavy‑handed and motivated challenger, will be looking to change his own fortunes. "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," Hearn concluded. In summary, Hearn’s message is clear: Anthony Joshua’s history of professionalism and consistency makes him the safer bet, while Tyson Fury’s recent statements and past cancellations raise legitimate questions.
As both men prepare for their respective warm‑up fights, the boxing world watches closely, hoping that neither suffers a setback and that the long‑awaited British heavyweight clash can finally be confirmed for November, delivering the blockbuster event fans have been yearning for.