Eddie Hearn has made it crystal clear that the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is not going anywhere, regardless of any public outbursts from Fury. The promoter, who also manages Joshua, emphasized that the contractual obligations binding the two fighters are firm and cannot be unilaterally broken. Earlier this week, Fury took to the media and suggested that the fight was in jeopardy because Joshua allegedly demanded a larger purse.
In a heated interview, Fury labeled Joshua and his camp "cowards" for supposedly walking away from the deal. Those comments sparked a flurry of speculation among fans and pundits about whether the bout would ever materialize. Hearn, however, dismissed those rumors with confidence.
"We have already signed the contract and we are simply waiting for a date to be set," he told DAZN. "You saw Tyson Fury shouting and screaming – there is nothing to shout about.
The agreement is signed, and no one can walk away from a binding contract." He went on to stress that the only scenario in which the fight could be cancelled would be a breach of the contractual terms by one of the parties. "There is no suggestion that the fight is not happening. No one can stop this fight from happening unless they actually break the contract," Hearn said.
The two heavyweights have been in ongoing negotiations to stage the bout, with an eye toward a November date and a potential venue at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The prospect of an all‑British heavyweight clash on American soil has generated significant buzz, as both fighters bring massive global followings and a history of high‑profile bouts. According to Hearn, the original agreement stipulated that the fight would take place in the United Kingdom. However, the Saudi‑backed promotional group Sela, which is helping to finance the event, has been pushing for a relocation to the United States.
Hearn clarified the promoter’s stance on this matter, noting that while many stakeholders are eager to see the fight in America, his camp prefers to keep the event in the UK. "We know everybody and his dog involved in the fight wants to do the fight in America. We don't," Hearn said. "We've told Sela and the team that if they want to move it to the United States, these are the terms we would need to accept.
But we would rather keep it in the UK, please." The background to this latest round of talks goes back to 2021, when Joshua and Fury were unable to reach an agreement on financial terms and other conditions. Those negotiations collapsed after a U.S. judge ruled that Fury was obligated to fulfill his contractual commitment to a third fight with Deontay Wilder, effectively putting the Joshua‑Fury clash on hold for several years. Since then, both fighters have continued to dominate the heavyweight division.
Fury, known for his charismatic personality and unorthodox style, has defended his titles against a range of opponents, while Joshua has rebuilt his reputation after a series of setbacks, earning a reputation as a resilient and powerful contender. The current impasse appears to be less about the fighters themselves and more about the logistical and financial framework surrounding the event. Hearn’s comments suggest that the promoter is prepared to stand firm on the terms of the existing contract, which includes specifics about the venue, revenue split, and promotional responsibilities.
Any attempt by Fury to back out would not only jeopardize his own reputation but could also lead to legal ramifications under the contract. In addition to the venue debate, there are other factors that could influence the final arrangement. Tax considerations, broadcast rights, and the involvement of international sponsors all play a role in determining where the fight will ultimately be staged. The United States offers a massive market and the allure of a historic venue like Madison Square Garden, but the UK remains a strong contender due to its boxing heritage and the home‑crowd advantage for both British fighters.
Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting a definitive answer. The prospect of a Fury‑Joshua clash has been billed as a potential "fight of the decade," promising high ticket sales, massive pay‑per‑view numbers, and a significant impact on the heavyweight hierarchy. Both camps have indicated that they are committed to delivering a showdown that lives up to the hype, even if the road to the final contract has been winding.
As the negotiations continue, Hearn’s firm stance serves as a reminder that in professional boxing, contracts are sacrosanct. While public statements and emotional outbursts can generate headlines, the underlying legal agreements ultimately dictate the outcome. Unless one party chooses to breach the contract—a move that would likely result in financial penalties and damage to professional credibility—the fight is slated to proceed as planned. In summary, despite Tyson Fury's recent vocal criticisms and claims that the bout may be in doubt, Eddie Hearn remains steadfast that the heavyweight showdown will happen.
The contract is signed, the date is pending, and the only way the fight could be canceled is through an actual breach of that contract. All signs point to an eventual resolution that will see Fury and Joshua step into the ring, likely in November, with the venue still up for final determination between the UK and the United States. The boxing world watches with anticipation, ready for what promises to be a historic encounter.