Anthony Joshua Doubles Down on Wanting Tyson Fury Superfight in the UK by Sharing Eddie Hearn Interview

Anthony Joshua supports Eddie Hearn's heated rant explaining why the Tyson Fury fight struggles to take place in the UK.

Anthony Joshua Doubles Down on Wanting Tyson Fury Superfight in the UK by Sharing Eddie Hearn Interview

Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn protest for Tyson Fury fight to be held in UK (via SPORTbible, Daily Express)

Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury remains one of boxing’s biggest fights that has yet to materialize. However, thanks to Turki Alalshikh, the long-awaited heavyweight showdown is now set for the final quarter of 2026. Despite the progress toward making the fight happen, major controversy has surrounded the matchup, ranging from promoter clashes to ongoing venue problems.

The Joshua-Fury fight has sparked a major promotional clash between Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn and UFC CEO Dana White. Both are competing for promotional rights while also trading personal insults throughout the negotiations. White recently made a major claim, revealing that he has been signing contracts and already knows the venue for the fight.

However, the only confirmed details are that the fight is scheduled for the final quarter of 2026 and will stream live on Netflix. The platform reportedly wants the event to take place in America, creating another hurdle in negotiations. Hearn and Joshua have both remained vocal about staging the showdown in the UK, with the British promoter recently revealing the current situation.

I feel like myself and Anthony Joshua are the last men standing, with the Union Jack. But in reality, we’re doing everything we can to keep this fight in the UK. [New York] can’t be because it’s a breach of contract, unless we agree. By the way, I’m not saying there’s no chance of us agreeing, but at the moment we remain firm. Netflix want it in America. Turki Alalshikh wants it in America. Sounds like Tyson Fury wants it in America. So, you know, we’ll keep fighting the fight but I can’t tell you how it’s going to play out.

Eddie Hearn via Track Radio

Joshua and Hearn have built a close professional relationship since the former heavyweight champion turned professional with Matchroom in 2013. Their partnership continued through a career-long promotional agreement signed in 2021.

As Hearn grew frustrated with the politics surrounding the matchup, Joshua responded to his promoter’s latest outburst.

Insightful Interview! Well Said @EddieHearn.

Anthony Joshua via Instagram

Both fighters have now completed their tune-up bouts ahead of the planned heavyweight showdown. Fury faced veteran Mariusz Wach in a non-televised charity bout at Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya, Thailand. Fury stopped Wach in the seventh round, with proceeds from the event supporting the Father Ray Foundation.

Joshua also returned to competition against Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The former two-time heavyweight champion was dropped twice in the opening round before stopping Prenga in the second round. Following the victory, Joshua also called out Fury, keeping attention firmly on their planned showdown.

Turki Alalshikh could now have an important role in resolving the growing tension between White and Hearn. His close relationships with both figures have placed him in a position to help settle their promotional dispute.

Alalshikh has worked closely with Hearn in boxing. The Saudi executive has also developed a strong relationship with White due to their Zuffa Boxing venture.

Dana White remains confident about his role in the highly anticipated British heavyweight showdown as negotiations continue. However, Eddie Hearn continues facing difficulties in securing the UK as the venue, despite both stars being British.

The ongoing promotional and venue disputes have only made the Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury showdown even more anticipated.

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Long-Awaited Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua Superfight Promised by Turki Alalshikh for 2026

Former opponent diminishes Anthony Joshua’s punching power despite getting knocked out

Jake Paul has become one of the most controversial personalities in the boxing world since entering the sport. He is frequently criticized for choosing opponents who are past their prime or retired. His bouts against heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and former UFC champion Tyron Woodley have fueled that criticism.

However, Paul faced the biggest threat of his boxing career in December 2025 when he stepped into the ring with Anthony Joshua. The former two-time unified heavyweight champion outweighed Paul by nearly 27 pounds and held significant advantages in height and reach. Joshua dominated Paul before ending the contest with a sixth-round knockout in Miami.

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua (via The Japan Times)

Paul suffered two jaw fractures during the stoppage and required surgery afterward. He remains sidelined from competition while recovering from those injuries.

Despite the setback, Paul has continued discussing his willingness to take risks while also downplaying Joshua’s punching power.

Honestly, Anthony Joshua’s punch didn’t even hurt that much. I saw the X-ray, and yeah, it looked bad, but I’ve experienced things in life that hurt way more. Stubbing your toe is honestly more painful than getting hit by Anthony Joshua.

Jake Paul via The Pivot podcast

Although the fight ended with Joshua’s victory, both fighters reportedly took home around $92 million. The massive payday marked a major financial milestone in both careers despite their contrasting experiences. For ‘The Problem Child’, the defeat brought a significant toll on health, while Joshua secured another lucrative victory.

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