Eddie Hearn has firmly dismissed claims a blockbuster bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been finalised.
Reports emerged this week suggesting the two heavyweight rivals had reached an agreement for a clash later this year or in early 2027.
Speaking to The Stomping Ground, the Matchroom Boxing chief was unequivocal in his denial.
Hearn said: “It’s completely untrue. There is absolutely nothing signed with Anthony Joshua to fight Tyson Fury next. There is nothing agreed.”
The promoter’s comments directly contradict recent suggestions, including from talkSPORT’s Gareth Davies, the long-awaited British showdown would take place on Netflix.
However, Hearn acknowledged substantive negotiations had been underway before tragedy struck in December.
Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two people close to him, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
Hearn explained: “There have been conversations – deep conversations prior to the accident – that he was going to fight Jake Paul, then fight in February or March in Saudi Arabia, then fight Tyson Fury.”
Eddie Hearn has firmly dismissed claims that a blockbuster bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been finalised
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The planned sequence of bouts would have seen the former two-time unified heavyweight champion face the YouTube star turned boxer before progressing to a potential Saudi Arabia appearance and ultimately the all-British encounter with Fury.
Since the accident, discussions about future fights have largely ceased, according to Hearn.
“There have been no conversations really about that fight,” he said, before noting preliminary talks had resumed in recent days.
The promoter confirmed he would be joining Joshua at training camp next week as the Watford-born fighter begins his return to preparation.
Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn have a close relationship | REUTERSHearn said: “I will go into camp with Anthony Joshua next week, when he starts, and we will start having conversations about what is next.”
These discussions will involve Saudi partners Dr Rakan Alharthy and Sela, as the team considers how to approach the coming months.
The path forward remains uncertain for Joshua, with Hearn casting significant doubt on whether the 36-year-old will compete again.
The promoter admitted: “Right now, there isn’t even a guarantee that he returns to the ring.”
Tyson Fury has officially come out of retirement
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REUTERSJoshua’s team must first assess how long his physical recovery will take before any concrete plans can materialise.
Meanwhile, Fury is pressing ahead with his own comeback after announcing his fifth retirement from the sport.
The Gypsy King will face Russian opponent Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11, with the bout broadcast live on Netflix.
