Hearn Insists Fury-Joshua Showdown Is Still On

Author: Gist Correspondent

Promoter Eddie Hearn has dismissed fears that the long-awaited heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could collapse, insisting the fight has been contractually secured and will go ahead.

Hearn's comments came after Fury suggested on Friday that the blockbuster bout was unlikely to happen. However, the Matchroom Boxing chief maintained that both parties had signed the necessary agreements and that no one could unilaterally withdraw from the contest.

"The fight is signed and we're only waiting for a date," Hearn said. “Nobody can simply pull out of a signed contract. The only way the fight won't happen is if someone breaches the agreement.”

The British heavyweight rivals are expected to meet later this year in one of the biggest boxing events in recent history. While Joshua and Hearn want the fight staged in the United Kingdom, Saudi organisers, Sela, are reportedly pushing for the contest to be held at New York's Madison Square Garden to maximise its appeal to the American audience, with Netflix set to broadcast the event.

Hearn acknowledged the preference of the organisers for a United States venue but said Joshua's camp had made its position clear, stressing that they would rather host the bout in Britain unless acceptable terms were agreed for a move abroad.