Eddie Hearn discusses potential Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua bout

Many expected Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to clash at the pinnacle of their careers in a world title unification bout. But both fighters now find themselves navigating the aftermath of recent losses. Despite their setbacks, a potential 2025 meeting could still deliver the drama and spectacle fans crave.

For years, fans and pundits have debated who would come out on top in a Fury-Joshua showdown. Their contrasting styles and larger-than-life personas make their potential clash a fight for the ages—even if it comes later than hoped.

Shaky form

Fury’s once-stellar record now includes two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. A split decision in May 2024 and a unanimous decision in December 2024—both held in Saudi Arabia—have left Fury’s career at a crossroads. With a third bout against Usyk unlikely, Fury must explore new paths to reclaim his momentum.

Meanwhile, Joshua appeared to have rebounded from back-to-back defeats to Usyk in 2021 and 2022. A four-fight win streak, capped by a knockout of Francis Ngannou, hinted at a return to form. However, a stunning knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 has once again cast doubt on his trajectory.

Now in their mid-30s, both fighters face the reality that their long-anticipated showdown is no longer a battle for unification. Yet, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, insists the timing has never been better. He predicts the fight—likely to take place at London’s Wembley Stadium—would sell out instantly, even with both fighters coming off losses.

Latest situation

Despite renewed buzz, formal discussions about a Fury-Joshua fight have yet to occur. 

“I don’t know if it’s gonna happen, there’s been no discussions,” Hearn told The Stomping Ground. 

“Fury’s just coming off that defeat, and at some point after his break, he’s gonna turn around and decide what he wants to do. If he wants to fight AJ, the fight happens immediately. We’ll see.”

Hearn has labelled the potential bout the “biggest fight in boxing commercially,” underscoring its enormous appeal. While Joshua is keen to rematch Dubois, Hearn acknowledges the magnitude of a Fury fight and the lure of a blockbuster payday.

Dubois, meanwhile, is set to face Joseph Parker on Feb. 25 in Riyadh for the IBF World Heavyweight Championship, a title vacated by Usyk to pursue his rematch with Fury. 

Should Dubois win, a shot at redemption against Usyk could beckon. However, a lucrative matchup with Joshua might sideline those ambitions and jeopardize the Fury-Joshua bout.

The British heavyweight boxing scene is ablaze, with marquee matchups looming. Yet, none can rival the significance of a Fury-Joshua clash. Whether it happens in 2025 or remains a tantalizing “what if,”  but the prospect of these two giants sharing the ring continues to captivate the boxing world.