The Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua fight is moving ahead, promoter Eddie Hearn said, adding that the bout is signed and cannot be called off despite public doubts raised last week by Fury.
Fury suggested on Friday that the high-profile meeting was unlikely to take place. Hearn, who represents Joshua, countered that the agreement is complete and that both sides are bound to proceed.
“We’ve signed the contract, we’re waiting for a date,” Hearn told DAZN, saying there is nothing left to debate. He added that no party can withdraw without breaching the agreement.
According to Hearn, there is no indication the contest will fall through. He said only a breach of contract could halt the event.
The heavyweights had been expected to face off in November in what would be one of the biggest nights in British boxing.
Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua fight venue dispute
Joshua and Hearn have signed for the fight to take place in the United Kingdom. Event backers Sela, based in Saudi Arabia, are lobbying for a United States venue.
Both fighters have separate deals with Sela, which is understood to favor Madison Square Garden in New York so the Netflix-broadcast event can better reach American viewers.
“We know everybody involved wants the fight in America. We don’t,” Hearn said. He added that Matchroom has given Sela terms under which it would consider a U.S. move, while reiterating a preference to keep the bout in Britain.
The bout is among this year’s most anticipated combat sports events, drawing attention alongside major cards such as those covered in our recent UFC 330 results.