2026-01-20 11:22:07

Eddie Hearn has said any discussion about a long-rumoured Anthony Joshua fight with Tyson Fury is “irrelevant” as the former heavyweight champion recovers from his fatal car crash.

The Matchroom Boxing promoter has insisted getting in the ring is the last thing on AJ’s, 36, mind after he was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said of a potential Joshua-Fury bout: “At this point, who knows?

“I think it’s not even something to discuss publicly, and even with AJ. So really, what was discussed in the past [about fighting Fury] is kind of irrelevant.

“The key will be, if and when, Anthony chooses to return to boxing. When he does that, or if he does that, we will then start to see what a roadmap looks like. But at the moment, those conversations are a long way away.”

Joshua was travelling near Lagos, Nigeria last month, when the SUV he was in collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of his friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

The two-time heavyweight world champion sustained minor injuries, was treated in hospital, and later returned to the UK, with funerals taking place earlier this month.

A clash with The Gypsy King, 37, had appeared increasingly realistic following renewed talk of Fury returning in 2026, but Hearn has made clear that Joshua’s wellbeing comes first.

He said: “Anthony is taking his time to get back on track. The loss is heavy and he will take the time he needs. He’s truly grateful for all the support and the love shown for Latz and Sina.”

Hearn recently shared footage of Joshua riding a stationary bike as he slowly resumes light activity, but stressed that physical recovery is only part of the process.

In a post on social media, the promoter wrote: “Great to catch up with Anthony Joshua today.

“His resilience and strength is inspiring. The loss is heavy and he will take his time to get back on track.

“But said he is truly grateful for all the support and the love shown for Latz and Sina.”

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