Eddie Hearn has defended Anthony Joshua’s decision to stay out of the ring following Tyson Fury’s win over Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Fury attempted to spark the long-awaited rivalry by approaching Joshua at ringside and calling him out after the fight, later suggesting his rival was reluctant to engage. However, Hearn dismissed that narrative, making it clear Joshua’s stance was deliberate. “He’s not into it if the fight’s not done… until I see you across the ring, it’s all hype,” Hearn said, pointing to years of failed negotiations between the two.
According to Hearn, stepping into the ring without a finalized agreement would only benefit Fury’s promotion. By refusing, Joshua avoids giving away a major promotional moment for a fight that still lacks official confirmation. “How many times have we been here before? Years and years, and it’s never happened,” he added.
Hearn also rejected Fury’s suggestion that Joshua was “terrified,” instead backing his fighter’s chances if the bout is eventually made. “Terrified of what?… I don’t see anything but an AJ victory,” he said.
Image Credit: The Ring