Fury v Joshua could be arranged with one message, says Hearn
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could set up a long-awaited clash with just one direct message on social media, says promoter Eddie Hearn.
Two-time heavyweight world champion Fury announced his retirement after a second straight defeat against Oleksandr Usyk in December.
Joshua's last fight also ended in defeat when he was stopped in the fifth round by Daniel Dubois in September.
However, Hearn believes the pair could soon get back in the ring and arrange a bout with a quick exchange, giving most British boxing supporters what they have wanted for years.
"This is the kind of fight that probably gets made over a DM between the two or a text or a call," Hearn told BBC Sport.
"It's like 'look, do you fancy it?' That's it. And then, bang, it's done."
Joshua is also a two-time heavyweight world champion and Hearn, who represents him, is convinced that the mooted fight still has its lustre among boxing fans.
"Neither of them are champions. Both are huge names, both at the back ends of their careers, but more importantly both are still relatively in their prime," he added.
"Before AJ lost to Dubois, everyone said this is the best AJ we've ever seen. And Fury never really showed any signs of decline against Usyk. He just got beat by the pound-for-pound number one."
Accumulate while they speculate pic.twitter.com/eLHaP5lD3N
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) March 8, 2025
Hearn confirmed that Joshua will fight again in 2025, but acknowledged the 35-year-old does have too many bouts left before retiring.
"If AJ was to lose again, [the Fury fight] isn't really there any more. Maybe his career isn't either, so we are not in any tearing rush," he said.
Fury's co-promoter Bob Arum said he did not expect him to return to boxing, but Hearn questioned the pair's relationship, suggesting it is not "the closest".
"Tyson looks in great shape. I think he said the other day he's training twice a day, so it'd be very easy for him to go into 10-week camp," Hearn added.
"The next decision for AJ is going to be really important. I hope it's Tyson Fury – we'll see what the boxing gods allow."