Fury went over to Joshua at ringside, making an attempt to pressure the beginning of the promotion, but it surely didn’t result in a face-off contained in the ring. After the combat, Fury questioned why Joshua didn’t step in and instructed he didn’t need the combat. On the post-fight press convention, Fury additionally stated he has no real interest in returning except it’s towards Joshua.
This combat has been talked about for years with out getting signed, and Joshua is treating it that method. If he steps into the ring, he’s giving them a giant promo second for nothing. If the combat falls by means of once more, he’s the one who appears unhealthy. By staying out, he’s making it clear it solely strikes ahead when there’s a deal in place. If Joshua will get into the ring, he’s following Fury’s lead. By staying out, he shuts that down, even when Fury then used it to query him after the combat.
Hearn pointed to that historical past as the explanation for Joshua’s stance and made clear he nonetheless expects the combat to occur, however solely as soon as phrases are agreed.
“He’s not into it if the combat’s not accomplished,” Hearn stated, Professional Boxing Followers. “What number of instances have we been right here earlier than? Years and years, and it’s by no means occurred. Till I see you throughout the ring, it’s all hype. He all the time has accomplished, and that’s why the combat by no means occurred. AJ’s simply saying, ‘Look, you want me. You’re calling me, and also you’ll get me.’ Very assured the combat will occur. However in the mean time, nothing signed.”
He additionally rejected Fury’s declare that Joshua is “terrified,” whereas backing him to win if the combat is finalized.
“Afraid of what? That tonight? Even Fury followers, not the identical vitality. They know. I don’t see something however an AJ victory.”
