Eddie Hearn remains hopeful that Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will finally meet next year.
Joshua sent an uncharacteristically vocal message to Fury on social media on Tuesday calling for the pair to settle a more than a decade-long rivalry.
Hours after his former opponent Joseph Parker came face-to-face with Fabio Wardley for the first time at a launch press conference in London to announce their October 25 showdown, ‘AJ’ took to social media to praise the New Zealander whilst also taking a swipe at ‘The Gypsy King’.
“I’m proud of Joe Parker, even though he is a competitor,” the 35-year-old said on Instagram
“Real recognises real.
View this post on Instagram
“He’s in the game to fight whoever, whenever and that’s the DNA of a real general.
“Unlike his dippy mate Tyson Fury.”
Fury announced his retirement in January after a second straight loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December.
The Morecambe man told media including Pro Boxing Fans in July that he would return for a third fight with the Ukrainian, who reclaimed the undisputed heavyweight crown with a fifth round knockout of Daniel Dubois in July.
However, the 37-year-old appeared to change his mind last month, insisting he would “never” return to the ring.
Joshua was in talks to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, but the Ohio man opted to face lightweight champion, Gervonta Davis in what is expected to be an exhibition on November 14 in Atlanta.
In his most vocal callout to date, the 35-year-old Watford man eyed a long-awaited clash with his countryman.
“I would [discredit] his career/record in minutes, but I’ll leave that for a potential Gloves Are Off if he ever comes back and fights Big Femi [Joshua].
“To my supporters, I’ll be back to lace up my boots and put on my gloves sooner than later, hopefully punching Fury’s head in and dancing round his flicker jab with ease.”
Commenting on Instagram on the callout, Hearn said: “Biggest fight in boxing.
“May 2026 be the year they dance.”
