Eddie Hearn has made it clear that the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is locked in, and no party can simply walk away from it. The promoter, who represents Joshua, dismissed recent claims that the bout might be in jeopardy after Fury publicly accused Joshua’s camp of demanding additional money and called them "cowards" for allegedly trying to renegotiate the deal. According to Hearn, the contract for the fight has already been signed, and the only remaining step is to agree on a date and venue.
He told DAZN that the recent video of Fury "shouting and screaming" was merely a display of emotion and not an indication that the fight is off. "There’s nothing to shout about," Hearn said. "The contract is signed, and you can’t just pull out of a contract without breaching it." Hearn emphasized that the only scenario in which the bout could be cancelled would be a genuine breach of the agreement by one of the parties. He added that there has been no suggestion from either side that the fight is in doubt, and that any speculation to the contrary is unfounded.
"No one can stop this fight from happening unless the contract is broken," he asserted. The two champions have been negotiating a November date for the all‑British clash, with Madison Square Garden in New York emerging as a likely venue. While the original contract stipulated that the fight would take place in the United Kingdom, the Saudi‑backed promotion company Sela has been pushing for a move to the United States. Hearn acknowledged the pressure from the promoters but made it clear that his priority is to protect the interests of his fighter and the integrity of the agreement.
"We know everyone involved wants to see this fight in America," Hearn said. "We’ve told Sela and their team that if they want to stage it in the U.S., there are specific terms we would need to meet, but we would prefer to keep it in the UK if possible." The background to the current negotiations dates back to 2021, when Fury and Joshua attempted to finalize a bout but were unable to reach a consensus on the financial and logistical terms. Those talks collapsed after a U.S.
judge ruled that Fury was contractually obligated to fight Deontay Wilder in a third‑leg match, effectively putting the Joshua fight on hold for several years. Since then, both fighters have continued to dominate the heavyweight division, with Fury retaining his WBC title and Joshua maintaining his status as a top contender. Their fan bases have been clamoring for a definitive clash, and the prospect of a British heavyweight battle on a global stage has generated significant buzz across the boxing world. Hearn’s confidence in the deal is also bolstered by the fact that the promotional landscape has evolved.
The involvement of Sela, a Saudi‑funded entity, has introduced new financial resources and a willingness to stage high‑profile events in venues outside of the traditional boxing hubs. However, the promoter warned that any relocation to the United States would come with additional stipulations, including revenue sharing, broadcast rights, and logistical considerations that could affect the fighters’ preparation. In addition to the venue debate, there are still unresolved issues regarding the purse split. Fury’s camp has reportedly asked for a larger share of the revenue, citing his status as the current champion and his drawing power in the United States.
Joshua’s team, meanwhile, argues that the British heavyweight’s marketability and recent performances warrant an equitable split. Hearn indicated that these financial negotiations are ongoing but remain within the framework of the signed contract, meaning that neither side can unilaterally alter the terms without mutual consent.
The promoter also addressed the recent media frenzy surrounding Fury’s comments. He suggested that Fury’s public outburst was a strategic move to apply pressure on the negotiation table, rather than a genuine indication of his willingness to abandon the fight. "Tyson is a master of mind games," Hearn said. "He knows how to generate headlines, but that doesn’t change the fact that the contract is in place and the fight is happening." Looking ahead, Hearn believes that once the date and location are finalized, the two fighters will shift their focus to training camps and promotional activities.
Both camps have already begun to outline their preparation strategies, with Fury’s team emphasizing his unique blend of size, speed, and technical skill, while Joshua’s camp highlights his power, work ethic, and recent improvements in defensive tactics. The potential fight has also sparked discussions about the future of heavyweight boxing. A victory for either fighter would solidify their claim as the undisputed king of the division, while a loss could open the door for a new challenger to emerge.
Analysts predict that the bout could be a classic clash of styles: Fury’s unorthodox movement and reach versus Joshua’s aggressive pressure and knockout power. In summary, despite the recent drama and public statements, Eddie Hearn remains steadfast that the Fury‑Joshua showdown will proceed as planned. The contract is signed, the only remaining variables are the exact date and venue, and both fighters are preparing for what could become one of the most significant heavyweight fights of the decade. Fans worldwide can expect a high‑stakes encounter that promises to deliver drama, skill, and perhaps a definitive answer to the question of who truly reigns supreme in the heavyweight ranks.