The boxing world has long been captivated by the prospect of a heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Despite both fighters no longer holding world titles, their names still carry immense weight in the sport. Recently, Eddie Hearn, the long-time promoter of Anthony Joshua, reignited hope for this long-anticipated bout by suggesting that a single social media message could be all it takes to set the wheels in motion. In an exclusive with BBC Sport, Hearn revealed his belief that the fight is still within reach—and could be arranged with surprising simplicity.

Eddie Hearn believes in the power of social media

Eddie Hearn, never shy about promoting blockbuster fights, suggested that negotiations for a bout between Fury and Joshua wouldn’t necessarily need lengthy meetings or complicated contracts to begin. Instead, a direct message on Instagram or a short phone call could be the spark that lights the fuse. According to Hearn, this modern approach to fight promotion reflects how informal yet powerful communication can be in the current age of boxing.

Despite recent setbacks—Fury’s loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December and Joshua’s surprising defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois—Hearn remains optimistic. The British boxing scene still sees this matchup as a crown jewel, a clash between two titans with national pride and legacy on the line.

Why Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua still matters

Although neither man currently holds a world title, a Fury vs Joshua fight would still be one of the most commercially viable matchups in boxing history. Both have been two-time heavyweight champions and hold massive fanbases not just in the UK but globally. The buildup alone would dominate headlines for months, reigniting the British boxing rivalry that fans have been craving since at least 2017.

The potential fight would pit Fury’s awkward, elusive, and rangy style against Joshua’s structured, explosive, and fundamentally sound power-punching. The styles clash perfectly, offering unpredictability, drama, and the kind of intensity that transcends belts. More than just a championship, this fight would be about legacy, pride, and perhaps redemption.

Fury’s retirement and potential comeback

After his defeat to Usyk, Tyson Fury claimed he was retiring from boxing. Many fans were skeptical, especially considering Fury has flirted with retirement multiple times throughout his career. According to Bob Arum, Fury’s co-promoter in the U.S., there’s real doubt over whether Fury will ever return to professional boxing. Yet Hearn isn’t convinced. He mentioned that Fury appears to be training regularly, looks physically sharp, and maintains the kind of conditioning that suggests he’s staying ready for a big opportunity.

“Tyson looks great,” Hearn commented. “He’s training twice a day and could easily enter a 10-week camp tomorrow.” Those statements hint that a Tyson Fury comeback could be closer than most believe.

Anthony Joshua’s ticking clock

For Anthony Joshua, the stakes are high. His recent loss to Daniel Dubois was a major blow to his hopes of reclaiming heavyweight dominance. Although Joshua still possesses massive star power and competitive ability, Hearn acknowledged that time might not be on AJ’s side. At 35 years old, Joshua may not have many fights left in him before contemplating retirement himself.

Hearn confirmed that Joshua is not expected to fight again until 2025, giving him time to recover and reassess his strategy. However, Hearn also admitted that another loss could be the final nail in the coffin for any future blockbuster fights—including one with Fury. “If Joshua loses again,” Hearn said, “the window for Fury might close permanently.”

Still fan-favorites despite recent losses

Even after their respective defeats, both Fury and Joshua remain key figures in the sport. Fans continue to pack arenas and tune in globally to watch them compete. Their charisma, combined with their contrasting personalities and fighting styles, ensures that they stay relevant—even if the world titles have moved on to fighters like Usyk or Dubois.

The British boxing audience, in particular, holds onto hope for the Fury vs Joshua dream fight. They’ve waited patiently while negotiations have collapsed in the past due to promotional differences, injuries, and shifting title holders. Now, stripped of the pressure of championship implications, the fight could finally happen with fewer political obstacles.

Hearn’s sense of urgency and emotional investment

Hearn made it clear that the time for action is now. He believes that both fighters still have enough left in the tank to deliver a memorable spectacle. But he also understands the fickle nature of boxing timelines. Injuries, retirements, and upsets can shift the landscape in a heartbeat.

“I hope Joshua chooses a path that leads him to Fury,” Hearn said. That simple wish is loaded with urgency. If either fighter loses again or becomes unmotivated, the matchup could become another “what could’ve been” in boxing history.

Hearn also raised doubts about Fury’s relationship with Arum, suggesting that Fury might be more independent in his decisions than people think. “I don’t know how close they really are,” Hearn mused, hinting that if Fury truly wants the Joshua fight, he could bypass traditional promotional channels and make it happen himself.

A realistic timeline for the mega-fight

If the fight were to happen, the earliest realistic date would be sometime in mid-to-late 2025. Joshua will likely need a comeback fight in early 2025 to shake off the rust and restore public confidence. Fury, if he truly is training as Hearn claims, could also aim for a warm-up bout before stepping into a mega-fight.

This timeline allows both camps to build the narrative and fan hype to an all-time high. Stadium venues like Wembley or Principality Stadium in Cardiff could be strong contenders for hosting such a high-stakes bout. It could become a summer spectacle or a winter blockbuster, depending on the availability of the fighters and broadcast deals.

What’s at stake in Fury vs Joshua

While no titles may be on the line, the legacy implications are massive. The winner would leave an indelible mark as the premier heavyweight of his era in Britain. For Joshua, a win would restore faith in his career trajectory. For Fury, it would silence any remaining critics who question his dominance outside the Deontay Wilder trilogy.

There’s also the business aspect. The fight could generate hundreds of millions globally across pay-per-view, gate revenue, and sponsorship deals. Both fighters stand to make the biggest purses of their careers—if they can make it to the ring.

Public pressure and media buildup

Media and fans continue to push for the matchup. Social media platforms light up anytime either fighter posts cryptic messages or training footage. Every interview mentioning the other’s name adds fuel to the fire. The public wants this fight, perhaps more than any other in the current boxing landscape.

This public pressure could be the biggest catalyst of all. In an era where social media drives sports narratives, the kind of viral demand seen around Fury vs Joshua could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. All it might take is for one fighter to post: “Let’s make it happen.”

Conclusion: A legacy fight still within reach

Despite setbacks, retirements, and promotional roadblocks, a showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua still has a chance to be the defining fight of British boxing history. Eddie Hearn’s optimism might seem bold, but his belief in modern communication—via social media messages or direct calls—feels more relevant than ever in today’s digital world.

If both fighters stay healthy, motivated, and open to negotiation, 2025 could finally be the year the boxing world witnesses this iconic clash. For now, fans can only hope that the right message lands in the right inbox—changing boxing history with a single tap.