Eddie Hearn has made it clear that the highly anticipated heavyweight encounter between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is locked in and cannot be abandoned by either party. In recent comments, Fury suggested on Friday that the fight’s future was in jeopardy after reports emerged that Joshua’s camp was demanding additional compensation, even branding the promoter and his team as "cowards" for their stance. Hearn, who serves as Joshua’s manager and promoter, dismissed those claims and reaffirmed his confidence that the bout will proceed as planned.
"We have a signed agreement and we are simply waiting for a date to be set," Hearn told DAZN. "You saw Tyson Fury shouting and screaming – there is nothing to shout about.
The fight is already confirmed." He emphasized that once a contract is executed, neither fighter can unilaterally walk away. "The contract is in place. No one can pull out of a contract without breaching it," he added, stressing that the only scenario that could derail the event would be an actual breach of the signed terms. The two British heavyweights have been negotiating a potential November showdown, with Madison Square Garden in New York frequently mentioned as a likely venue.
The prospect of an all‑British heavyweight clash on American soil has generated considerable buzz among fans and media alike. However, Hearn highlighted a key point of contention: the original contract stipulated that the fight would be hosted in the United Kingdom, while the Saudi‑backed promotion company Sela has been advocating for a move to the United States.
"We know everyone involved wants the fight in America, but we don’t share that view," Hearn explained. He said his team has communicated to Sela that if the fight were to be staged in the U.S., certain conditions would need to be met, though his preference remains for a UK location. The background to this latest standoff dates back to 2021, when Joshua and Fury were initially close to sealing a deal. Those negotiations collapsed after a U.S.
judge ruled that Fury was obligated to fulfill a trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, effectively sidelining the Fury‑Joshua matchup for the time being. Since then, both fighters have continued to dominate the heavyweight division, keeping public interest in a potential clash alive.
Hearn’s remarks also touched on the broader context of the heavyweight calendar. He noted that the sport’s schedule for 2026 is already shaping up with several marquee events, and that a Fury‑Joshua fight would be a cornerstone attraction.
The promoter highlighted the importance of honoring contractual commitments, especially in a landscape where promoters, broadcasters, and sponsors rely heavily on the certainty of high‑profile matchups. In addition to the contractual issues, there are logistical considerations that could influence the final decision on venue. Hosting the bout in the United Kingdom would likely simplify travel and training arrangements for both fighters, whose camps are based in the UK. Conversely, a New York setting would offer a massive global platform, potentially increasing pay‑per‑view revenue and attracting a broader international audience.
Hearn indicated that while the financial upside of a U.S. location is tempting, the integrity of the original agreement and the desire to keep the fight on home soil are paramount. The promoter also addressed the rumors about Fury’s alleged demands for "more money." He suggested that such statements are often part of the pre‑fight hype and negotiation tactics, and should not be taken as definitive evidence that the fight is in danger.
"These negotiations are always a bit of a dance," Hearn said. "Both sides want to ensure they are fairly compensated, but that does not mean the deal is off the table." Looking ahead, Hearn affirmed that his team is actively working with all stakeholders—including Sela, the fighters’ management, and broadcasting partners—to lock down a date and finalize the logistical details. He urged fans to stay patient, emphasizing that the contract is binding and that any attempt to pull out would constitute a breach with legal and financial repercussions.
In summary, Eddie Hearn has reiterated that the Fury‑Joshua showdown is firmly under contract and that neither fighter can simply back out without serious consequences. While discussions about the venue continue, with the United Kingdom favored over a potential move to the United States, the promoter remains optimistic that the bout will materialize, delivering what many consider the biggest heavyweight fight of the era.
The next steps involve confirming a venue, setting a date, and ensuring that all contractual obligations are met, paving the way for what promises to be a historic night in boxing.