Eddie Hearn Outlines Anthony Joshua's Next Steps Before Potential Tyson Fury Clash
In a significant update on the long-awaited British heavyweight showdown, promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua will almost certainly face another opponent before stepping into the ring with Tyson Fury. This clarification comes after intense speculation following Fury's recent victory and public call-out of his rival.
The Path to the "Battle of Britain"
Speaking to multiple publications including The Independent, Hearn explained the strategic thinking behind Joshua's potential warm-up bout. "Maybe not after what he saw on Saturday," Hearn remarked regarding whether Joshua needs additional preparation, referencing Fury's less-than-spectacular performance against Arslanbek Makhmudov. "But I think to be fair to Fury, I think [Joshua] would be rusty. I think the 12 rounds would be massively advantageous for him after that."
The Matchroom Boxing chief detailed the current negotiation landscape, stating: "The deal that we've been offered is that it's not to fight Tyson Fury straight away. We talked to him, we said: 'Look, these are your two options. We can fight Fury straight away, or we can do it this way. This is our preferred option, but these are how the two options look.' And they said, 'Let's do that one,' so we are happy with that."
Contract Developments and Timeline
Hearn confirmed that formal negotiations are actively progressing, revealing: "We received a contract at the end of last week for their proposal of the two fights, and we've been going back and forward, and that's it really. My instruction from AJ is to make the fight, and that's what we'll be trying to do."
When questioned about potential obstacles in the negotiation process, Hearn downplayed significant issues: "I wouldn't really say sticking points, but just obviously you're... With a contract, it's very natural to go back with a lot of stuff. [There's] nothing major, a little bit about obviously who he fights in July, when he fights, where the fight's gonna be. [There are] still things to negotiate. I wouldn't say sticking points."
Joshua's Current Status and Recovery
The former world champion has been out of action since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami, which was followed just ten days later by a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his friends. Hearn provided an update on Joshua's physical and mental recovery: "He's good. I mean, I think people are kind of quick to forget what he's been through. At the time, people were very sort of courteous and understanding. And now it's, 'Sign the contract!'"
Regarding Joshua's training status, Hearn added: "He's returning to boxing, but in the next two weeks he'll get signed off physically to return to proper full-time training. And you know, from there it's gonna be a situation of when he could return, but he's in a good place. He's still dealing with stuff, but I think sadly... so many people psychoanalyse it, like they always do."
The Post-Fight Exchange and Public Perception
Following Fury's victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the "Gypsy King" called Joshua into the ring, but the British boxer declined to enter the squared circle. Instead, Joshua took the microphone to declare he would "see you in that ring in due time." Some critics questioned Joshua's restraint, but Hearn defended his fighter's decision.
"Basically, he said: 'Why would I get in the ring to announce a fight that's not agreed?'" Hearn explained. "[But then] Netflix announced the fight... I mean, I think they'd been told that the fight's done. And by the way, I'm pretty sure it will be done."
Hearn continued: "AJ's thinking, 'This fight has been close so many times and people have got disappointed so many times. If I get in there, it's not gonna be, "These two could meet." They're gonna go: "The fight's on." And then we're all gonna go, "Hang on a minute, it's not," and then it starts getting messy."
Looking Ahead to July Return
The promoter confirmed that Joshua is expected to return to action in July against an opponent of similar caliber to Makhmudov, Fury's most recent adversary. This warm-up bout would serve as preparation for the potential super-fight with Fury that British boxing fans have anticipated for years.
Hearn concluded with optimism about the eventual matchup: "I expect us to fight someone of the same kind of level as Makhmudov and then fight Fury. We expect to be out in July." This timeline sets the stage for what could become one of the most significant heavyweight contests in British boxing history, provided all parties can finalize the complex negotiations.
