Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has launched a stinging response to Tyson Fury after the former heavyweight world champion suggested their long-awaited all-British showdown could still collapse.
The pair are expected to finally meet later this year, with a blockbuster November clash edging closer provided both men successfully navigate their respective comeback bouts this weekend.
Joshua takes on unbeaten puncher Kristian Prenga on Saturday, while Fury returns to action against veteran Mariusz Wach on Friday in what are widely viewed as final tune-up fights before one of British boxing's biggest-ever contests.
Yet Fury recently cast fresh doubt over the proposed showdown by revealing he was prepared to face "somebody else" if the fight failed to materialise.
Those comments prompted a swift response from Hearn, who insisted Joshua has consistently honoured every fight agreement throughout his professional career and questioned Fury's own record instead.
"Look at history," Hearn told Sky Sports.
"Check the facts, check the resume. If you really want to pick one fighter who's more reliable than the other, I don't think it's a close-run race.
"What fight has AJ ever signed for that he's not competed in? What fight has AJ ever pulled out of?
"He's got the most solid resume and the most professional attitude of any fighter I've ever worked with. Can we say the same about Tyson Fury? No. That's the reality of the situation."
Hearn also pointed to the failed 2021 agreement between the two heavyweights, when Joshua had signed to face Fury before an arbitration ruling ordered the 'Gypsy King' to complete a trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder instead.
"If odds are being thrown around about who might pull out of this fight, trust me, it isn't Anthony Joshua," Hearn continued.
"Don't forget, AJ has not only fought every contender he could have, he also previously signed to fight Tyson Fury, who pulled out of the fight because of an arbitration ruling involving Deontay Wilder.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Madeleine McCann's younger brother looks ahead to representing Scotland at Commonwealth Games
- Jermain Defoe quits management job after just six matches following 'clash with member of hierarchy
- Adam Peaty 'fears fresh family bombshells will overshadow Commonwealth Games' as details emerge
"So don't worry about AJ, he's as game as they come. But we have our doubts about whether Fury will turn up, especially if AJ looks great on Saturday night."
Joshua, meanwhile, refused to be drawn into discussing Fury in detail during his pre-fight press conference, insisting his focus remained solely on Prenga.
The 36-year-old said his ambition was to "conquer the earth and then the universe", but stressed he did not want to disrespect his Albanian opponent by looking beyond Saturday night.
Joshua also revealed he would have no issue if Fury decided to watch the contest from ringside.
Despite Fury's recent remarks, Hearn believes much of the pre-fight rhetoric forms part of the former world champion's trademark psychological tactics.
"This build-up is going to be epic," he said.
"We know the fight is going to be epic. In and out of the ring, this is going to be box office. We've waited a long time for this.
"It's going to be spicy, funny and compelling. Two very different characters. God willing they both get the wins on Friday and Saturday and we can finally get this thing on.
"There will be mind games. Fury is the self-professed king of those and he's very good at it as well. Fury will think he can win the fight that way, before the first bell, but I think he will be very disappointed. AJ is mature enough to deal with that now."
Hearn believes there are only two realistic scenarios that could derail the long-awaited fight.
"The only thing that's going to stop the fight from happening in November is if one of these guys gets beat this weekend or picks up an injury," he said.
Joshua's immediate challenge comes in the form of Prenga, whose record of 20 knockouts from 20 victories has prompted Hearn to warn against complacency.
"Prenga is dangerous," he said.
"If he catches you on the chin, you'll know about it. AJ has got to be disciplined and switched on."
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
from GB News https://ift.tt/BSANvfz
via IFTTT
Thank you for your message!