Eddie Hearn backs Anthony Joshua to defeat Tyson Fury in mega-fight
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn says he has never been more confident that Anthony Joshua will defeat British rival Tyson Fury when the two heavyweights finally meet in their anticipated November bout.
The blockbuster clash has been signed and is earmarked for later this year.
A finalised date and location are yet to be formally confirmed.
The two-time world champion is currently preparing for a warm-up contest against Kristian Prenga on 25 July.
To ensure he is in peak condition, the Watford-born boxer has notably been training alongside former opponent Oleksandr Usyk.
Training camp boosts confidence
This unexpected alliance with the Ukrainian unified champion has left his promoter supremely optimistic about the upcoming all-British showdown.
“Fury’s a tremendous fighter, very clever. I’ve just always felt that AJ beats Tyson Fury.”
“And now, with his training camp with Usyk and the way he just seems and how focused he is, I just think that I’ve never been more confident that he wins the fight.”
“But it’s not going to be easy because Fury’s a great competitor and a great fighter.”
Warm-up bouts carry significant risk
The self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ has also indicated his desire to take a tune-up fight before facing his compatriot.
However, the Morecambe-based heavyweight is yet to announce an opponent or finalise a date for his own interim appearance.
Hearn previously acknowledged that a shock defeat for either man in these preparatory contests would ruin the long-awaited super-fight.
There also appear to be lingering financial hurdles regarding the northern fighter’s interim bout.
Financial frustrations remain
“Unfortunately, Tyson Fury’s used to earning a lot of money and perhaps the purse that has been suggested is not one that he’s very happy about.”
“But really, no one really wants the fight for him, so you’ve got to kind of decide the money is what it is.”
“Do you want to do it or do you not want to do it now? He wants to be in training camp, he wants to be active, and I understand all that, but it’s not really our business.”
For now, the Matchroom Boxing camp remains entirely focused on navigating their July assignment unscathed.
