Eddie Hearn: Tyson Fury is scheduled for 2026, but Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul have not accepted to a fight
Eddie Hearn claims that rumors of an Anthony Joshua-Jake Paul deal are unfounded since the emphasis is now on more important scheduled fights.
Eddie Hearn has stated that it is premature to believe that Anthony Joshua has agreed to fight YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul next month, and that preparations are being made for a big matchup with Tyson Fury in 2026.
There is no official arrangement with Paul, Hearn clarified, but Joshua, the former world heavyweight champion, will need a warm-up fight following a fourteen-month layoff. He said, “Perhaps,” when asked on BBC 5 Live if the Paul battle would take place. All of them made a mistake last night. Discussions have taken place. 2026 is our main goal. We have a major bout scheduled for February, and we hope to face Tyson Fury in the summer. In 2025, we might run out of time and have a quiet argument somewhere. Maybe if that’s going to go and ruin Mr. Paul’s run and earn tens of millions of dollars. Not yet confirmed.
He also disclosed that the long-awaited fight between Fury and Joshua in 2026 will be delivered by Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.
“We will fight in February next year and then we will fight Tyson Fury if Turki Alalshikh delivers on his plans and strategies,” Hearn stated in an interview with talkSPORT. We talked to him this week in London. All of our actions with Anthony Joshua will be guided by and in compliance with Turki Alalshikh. He has provided us with incredible opportunities. The strategy will be developed in collaboration with him.
Hearn also stated that Alalshikh had assumed responsibility for the negotiations with Fury, stating: “Turki Alalshikh is responsible for speaking with Tyson Fury and attempting to reach an agreement.” We’re up against Tyson Fury, but I can’t tell you that. “I am going to make AJ v Tyson Fury,” Turki Alalshikh has stated, as far as I can determine. You have this contract. Are you in agreement? We are on board. Has the fight been decided? No. I’m not sure where he stands with Tyson Fury, after all. My only knowledge is that he has yet to provide a fight.
