Tyson Fury Claims Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn Trying to Pull Out of December Superfight
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are scheduled to meet on Friday, December 11, 2026, at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in Wales for an all-British heavyweight clash broadcast exclusively live on Netflix. However, just days after the official announcement by Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, Fury sensationally claimed the bout is in serious jeopardy due to Eddie Hearn’s ego and alleged attempts by the Matchroom Sport side to pull out.
The Genesis and Stakes of the December 11 Showdown
The long-awaited matchup brings together two of the definitive heavyweights of their era. According to Ring Magazine, the high-stakes encounter is slated to be for the WBA heavyweight title. Tyson Fury brings a record of 36-2-1 with 25 knockouts, while Anthony Joshua enters with a 30-4 record featuring 27 knockouts. Gabe Spitzer, vice president of sports at Netflix, noted in a press release that the fixture boasts the rivalry, stakes, and scale required to capture global attention.
The promotion operates as a joint venture involving Turki Alalshikh’s The Ring alongside Dana White, according to Netflix’s corporate release. Both fighters are scheduled to face the media at a press conference in London on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, where further undercard details are expected to emerge.
Fury’s Claims of Contractual Uncertainty and Hearn’s Role
Despite confirmation that the promotional details and venue logistics had been ironed out, Fury disrupted the situation with unexpected public remarks. Speaking on the status of the bout, Fury asserted that Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, are actively attempting to derail the event. “Breaking news, Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn are trying to pull out the fight,” Fury stated. “They’re saying they’re not going to fight now. It’s mainly to do with Eddie Hearn’s ego. He’s making up a million different things and threatening ‘we’re not gonna fight’.”
Fury maintained that alternative opponents are already being evaluated by Alalshikh should the matchup collapse. “Now you’ve got Turki Alalshikh finding alternative, real men who will fight at the drop of a hat. I hope you are happy,” Fury added. Sky Sports News subsequently contacted Matchroom Sport for comment regarding the assertions. Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua took to social media platform X to address the atmosphere surrounding the fight, posting, “The quietest ones often pull the strings. Those who appear least involved may hold the greatest control. Let them shout first, the wisest wait until the final move. Yours truly, Anthony Joshua,” alongside a promotional fight poster and the declaration that he is “inspiring a generation.”
The Unusual Paths of Both Contenders
The road to this December clash has been heavily unconventional for both athletes. Joshua’s momentum nearly stalled in July when little-known Kristian Prenga knocked him down twice in the opening round before Joshua recovered to secure a second-round knockout. That followed a rebound period featuring four straight wins, including a knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and a victory over Jake Paul last December, following back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury’s journey features its own distinct timeline. After losing his WBC heavyweight title and a subsequent rematch to Usyk in Saudi Arabia, Fury announced his retirement and spent a period training in Thailand. He returned to the ring in April at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London to outpoint Arslanbek Makhmudov via unanimous decision, followed by an untelevised July bout in Thailand where he stopped veteran Mariusz Wach in the seventh round. A victory over Joshua would likely have him regarded by most as his generation’s top heavyweight.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.