Eddie Hearn has pleaded with Tyson Fury to confirm his return to boxing and finally agree to a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua.
Fury has hinted at a comeback on social media following his retirement after losing a rematch to Oleksandr Usyk in December, but has yet to formally confirm his intentions.
Joshua, meanwhile, is set to undergo keyhole surgery on his elbow but is expected to return to full fitness later in the year, according to Hearn.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn expressed frustration at Fury’s teasing online presence and urged him to make a clear decision.
“I feel like Tyson Fury’s a bit of a tease, isn’t he? All we see on Instagram is him training,” Hearn said.
“Even today, I came out of a press conference, opened Instagram, and there he is with his wraps on, doing 12 rounds. Why are you doing this to us? Are you playing with our minds, or are you coming back?
“Just let us know either way. Put us out of our misery.”
Hearn insisted there is now a clear opportunity to stage what he described as the biggest fight not just in British boxing, but on the global stage.
“Look, AJ’s got to have a little keyhole surgery on his elbow. He’ll be back post-September,” he said.
“This fight is there. Let’s just make it happen.
“We’re reliant on Tyson Fury. We’re ready to go, but he has to be up for it. He’s a competitive so-and-so, and I just know deep down he wants to dance with Anthony Joshua. So, dust those shoes off and let’s do it.”
Negotiations for a Fury–Joshua clash have repeatedly broken down in the past, but Hearn believes conditions are now more favourable than ever, citing improved relations with Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, and the absence of world titles from both fighters.
Hearn Displays Confidence
“Honestly, one phone call. In the past, one had a belt, the other didn’t. Me and Frank Warren weren’t speaking, and I didn’t get on with Fury. That’s changed now.
“You’re both not champions at the moment, but you’re both massive stars. Let’s just get on with it. All the stuff that’s happened before, forget it. This is the moment. The path is clear,” Hearn said.
Hearn pointed to the success of recent all-British bouts, such as the Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn contest, as proof of the appetite for such domestic clashes.
“That night was unforgettable. This one is twice as big. Fingers crossed, but I’m quietly confident.”
Should Fury opt against a return, Hearn revealed Joshua has alternative options, including a possible second bout with Dillian Whyte or a fight against the winner of the Usyk–Daniel Dubois rematch, scheduled for July 19 at Wembley.
“If Dubois wins the undisputed title, I’m sure AJ would want a crack at that,” Hearn said.
“Whyte’s coming back in June, and there’s also the option of another top contender.
“But I know one thing on AJ’s mind right now is Tyson Fury. The rest is out of our hands.”
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