Hearn wasn\u2019t ready to name any of the fighters that he could use as Joshua\u2019s tune-up opponent before the end of the year. It would make sense for him to choose a taller heavyweight if the idea is to prepare him for the 6\u20198\u2033 Fury in mid-2026.<\/p>\n
Joshua\u2019s inactivity, age, and the brutal knockout he suffered in his last fight against Daniel Dubois in September 2024 make it essential that Hearn doesn\u2019t match him against someone a little too powerful. The problem is, whoever AJ fights, they\u2019re going to be amped up, fighting at their best, and will be swinging for the fences, trying for a knockout. They\u2019ll definitely be targeting his head.<\/p>\n
Hearn Floats Africa \u2014 or Jake Paul \u2014 Before Fury<\/p>\n
\u201cNext summer or autumn,\u201d said Hearn about when Joshua can face Fury. \u201cWe can fight in Africa. We can fight Jake Paul, but AJ wants to fight Tyson Fury.\u201d<\/p>\n
$160 Million Reasons to Stay Retired<\/p>\n
It\u2019s still questionable whether Hearn will be able to produce Fury for a fight against Joshua next year or anytime. Fury is too rich, and he\u2019s obviously an eccentric. With the estimated fortune of $160 million, there\u2019s no incentive for Tyson to risk his hide coming out of his mansion to fight a big puncher like Joshua.<\/p>\n
The 281-lb Fury looked like a flabby shell of the fighter he once was in his 12-round unanimous decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch on December 21, 2024. Tyson has obviously watched that fight and noted how he\u2019s deteriorated physically, which could factor into his decision not to come out of retirement to face Joshua in what Hearn calls \u201cThe battle of Britain.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since 2015, Olly Campbell has brought readers a clear ringside perspective and a steady voice on boxing\u2019s biggest nights.<\/p>\n
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Olly Campbell has been covering boxing since 2010 and has written for Boxing News 24 since 2014. Based in the UK, he now reports on the worldwide boxing scene, delivering fight news, results, and features that connect fans to the sport\u2019s biggest stories.<\/p>\n
With a background in UK and European coverage, Olly has developed a style that blends sharp analysis with accessible writing, making his work valuable to both dedicated followers and casual fans. His reporting consistently highlights champions, contenders, and emerging prospects on the global stage.<\/p>\n