Fury Needs to Man Up and Call AJ Himself, Says Hearn (Who's Clearly Fed Up)

By Lewis Barnett 10 April, 2025 6 mins read 46 Views

God. I've been covering boxing for 12 years now, and I've never seen such a ridiculous dance between two fighters who clearly should be facing each other. Eddie Hearn is basically begging Tyson Fury to pick up his damn phone and call Anthony Joshua directly.

The frustration was written all over Hearn's face during that iFL interview yesterday. You could practically see the veins popping as he tried to maintain his professional composure.

Play Article Audio

The Phone Call That Could Change Everything

According to Hearn, the solution is embarrassingly simple: "The way that fight gets made is probably Tyson reaches out to AJ and says, 'Mate, do you fancy it?' And he'll go, '100 per cent, let's f***ing do it.' And it'll be made like that."

That's it. That's literally all it would take.

I was at teh Usyk-Fury rematch back in December, and let me tell you - watching Fury's face when the decision was announced told you everything. The man was CRUSHED. Then he retired (again) in January, shocking absolutely nobody who's been paying attention to his retirement-unretirement cycle.

Wait... Fury Trains Every Day?

Here's where it gets interesting. Hearn casually dropped this little nugget: "Oh, and by the way, he's training every day. Looks great."

So much for retirement! My source at Fury's gym (who'd kill me if I named them) texted me last week saying Tyson's in better shape now than before the Usyk fights. Interesting timing, wouldn't you say?

The British Superfight That Never Was

I spent $300 on a hotel room in London back in 2021 when these two were first supposed to fight. What a waste. The boxing gods simply refuse to let this happen.

Joshua hasn't fought since Dubois absolutely flattened him in September, and now he's nursing some injury that's kept him out of action even longer. The clock is ticking for both men - AJ is 35, Fury's 36. This isn't getting any fresher.

Hearn made it crystal clear: "We're not waiting forever."

Show Me The Money!

Let's be honest about what this is really about.

Hearn basically admitted it when he said Fury "likes a pound note." This fight would generate stupid money - we're talking £100+ million for each fighter. My editor bet me £50 last year that this fight would never happen. I'm starting to think I should just pay him now and be done with it.

Remember 2018 when Wilder-Joshua fell apart over money? This feels eerily similar... except now both fighters are past their prime.

The Icing on a Very Stale Cake

I interviewed an anonymous boxing promoter (not Hearn) last week who told me, "This fight is three years too late. It'll still sell, but it's like serving birthday cake a week after the party."

Still, Hearn's clinging to hope, saying these two "could give each other the icing on the cake of a great career."

Poor Eddie. He's been trying to make this happen for what feels like forever.

The ball is firmly in Fury's court now. As Hearn put it: "Only one man can make this fight happen, and that's Tyson Fury."

Will he make the call? I wouldn't hold my breath... but then again, Fury loves proving people wrong almost as much as he loves attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are professional boxing's risks?

Like all contact sports, professional boxing has inherent risks. There are acute injuries, including cuts, bruises and broken bones. Also, there may be chronic conditions, like concussions syndromes or neurological disorders, that can develop from repeated impacts. The risks can be reduced with proper training, safety devices, and adhering to boxing rules, but never completely eliminated. To box professionally, you must accept these risks and be able to recognize them.

How important is physical conditioning in professional boxing?

Professional boxing demands a high level physical conditioning. The sport demands a high level of strength, speed and endurance. Professional boxers are required to follow a fitness regimen that includes anaerobic and aerobic exercises, resistance and strength training, as well as flexibility workouts. A boxer cannot train efficiently and perform well in the ring without superior physical fitness.

What kind of diet should a novice boxer follow?

A beginner boxer should eat a nutritiously balanced diet to fuel intense workouts and encourage recovery. A mix of carbohydrates is best for energy, lean protein to repair and build muscle, and healthy fats to improve overall health. Vitamins and minerals are also essential. Consulting a sports nutritionist to develop a diet plan that is tailored for the boxer's weight class and training schedule can be beneficial.

How do boxers manage weight and maintain their weight class?

Boxers control their weight through a strict diet and a precise training regime. Nutritionists help them develop a plan to reach their target weight without compromising nutrition or energy. The importance of regular weight check-ins and regular exercise is crucial, especially in the run up to a fight. Weight management is an important strategic process. If done incorrectly it can lead to poor performance or health issues.

Can anyone learn to box?

While boxing is accessible to many, not everyone will have what it takes to compete at a professional level. Professional boxing demands a unique combination of talent as well as physical abilities, mental strength and dedication. Prospective boxers also need to be willing to accept the inherent risks associated with the sport. A thorough assessment by a coach can determine if a person has the potential to make a career out of boxing.

How can amateur boxers become professional?

A significant change in competition, intensity of training, and mental preparedness is required to make the transition from amateurs to professionals. An amateur must demonstrate a high level of performance by taking part in local or national competitions. To be able to secure professional bouts, it is important to have a professional license in boxing and align yourself with experienced managers or trainers.

What is the best equipment for a beginner in professional boxing to start with?

Essential equipment for anyone who wants to start in professional boxing includes boxing glove, hand wraps and mouthguard (for sparring). Also included are proper footwear. The use of a heavy, speed, or double-end bag is essential for technical workouts. It is essential to use equipment that provides protection and durability. Otherwise, you may increase your risk of injury.

Statistics

Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.

External Links

How To

How to Select the Right Boxing Coach

Selecting the right boxing coach is pivotal for your professional aspirations. Find a coach that has a successful track record in training boxers. He or she should emphasize safety, technique, and a personalized approach. Your decision can be influenced by their communication style, dedication and their interactions with other fighters. A good coach will not only instruct but also inspire and push you to reach your potential in the ring.