Joshua vs Fury: The fight the world is waiting for, says Hearn

Promoter Eddie Hearn has reaffirmed his belief that a showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury remains the biggest fight in boxing history.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn expressed his strong desire to see the bout happen, emphasizing its significance for the sport and the British public.

“It would be a real shame if Tyson Fury and AJ never fought. I don’t have many regrets, but I think we’d always regret not seeing that fight. It’s the biggest fight in boxing,” Hearn said.

Joshua, who has been sidelined since a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last year, has yet to return to the ring. Meanwhile, Fury’s last bout was a points loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024, after which he announced his retirement. However, Hearn remains optimistic about a potential comeback for the unified heavyweight king.

“You can’t even compare anything we’ve seen before—Froch-Groves, AJ-Klitschko, Benn-Eubank. This is just completely different. It would dominate the nation. These are two great fighters, two strong personalities, and it’s a must-see,” Hearn remarked.

He further added, “There’s no bigger fight in boxing. It’s not just about fighting and beating Fury for AJ; it’s about giving the British public what they’ve wanted for so long.”

The two fighters have exchanged social media jabs recently, with Joshua calling Fury ‘dippy,’ which Hearn interpreted as a sign of Joshua’s genuine desire to face Fury.

“I love it,” Hearn said. “AJ has always been a guy who holds his tongue, but approaching the back end of his career, he’s thinking, ‘Why not?’ He’s eager for the fight. We’re ready to talk, and it’s not just about goading Tyson—it’s the truth.”

Hearn revealed that Joshua plans to ease back into action with a tune-up bout likely in January or February, and he expects Fury to do the same before both men clash in what would be an all-British heavyweight spectacle.

“AJ’s recovered, injury-free, and eager to get back in the mix,” Hearn noted. “Fury’s social media suggests he’s training, which gives hope. People around him feel he’ll return, but nothing’s certain.”

Legendary former undisputed champion Lennox Lewis has voiced his support for the fight, stating the entire world wants to see a Fury-Joshua showdown.

Addressing concerns about legacy, Hearn replied: “I’m not worried about legacy damage. Ultimately, fighters take risks to battle the best. You fight everyone, and if you’re good enough, you win.”

He concluded, “Fury’s a tremendous fighter. Let’s see who is the biggest and best Brit of this generation. The fight has everything—it’s just a matter of making it happen.”