Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua Prefers Fabio Wardley Next But Fury Fight Likely Overrides It

Turki Alalshikh and the Power Brokers Want Fury vs. Joshua

Despite Joshua’s interest in Wardley, Hearn acknowledged that Turki Alalshikh and the major Saudi stakeholders appear laser-focused on staging Joshua vs. Fury in 2026 a fight still being positioned as “The Battle of Britain,” even if its shine has dimmed over the years.

“The size of the Fury fight… that’s what’s interesting to people and His Excellency,” Hearn said. “I don’t think he’s going to come and offer us the Wardley fight.”

In other words:

• Joshua wants Wardley.

• The money wants Fury.

And historically, the money tends to win.

Joshua Needs a Real Heavyweight Test Not More Time Off

If Hearn’s comments are accurate, Joshua’s desire to face Wardley is commendable and practical.

Since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Joshua’s only activity has been a novelty bout with Jake Paul. Attempting to walk straight into a Fury fight after nearly 18 months without a real heavyweight opponent is strategically poor, especially for a matchup the public now views as two aging stars meeting past their primes.

Wardley would provide:

• Legitimate danger

• A world title opportunity

• A chance to reestablish Joshua’s credibility

• A competitive warm-up before Fury

Even if Joshua were to lose to Wardley, fans would at least respect the ambition of taking a serious fight rather than coasting into a mega-payday.

Wardley’s Punching Power Changes the Landscape

Fabio Wardley’s stock skyrocketed when he brutalized Joseph Parker in October. Many observers felt the bout should’ve been stopped as early as Round 2, when Parker was absorbing a nonstop barrage.

Had the referee not paused the action after Parker intentionally spat out his mouthpiece buying over ten seconds of recovery time the stoppage may have come even sooner.

Those same power shots, many believe, would trouble both Fury and Joshua:

• Wardley’s pace

• His combination punching

• His ability to overwhelm hurt opponents

These traits make him a genuine threat. And that danger is exactly why a win against Wardley would dramatically strengthen Joshua’s standing entering a Fury fight.

Can Joshua Force the Wardley Fight? Yes If He Really Wants To

Hearn admitted something important: “If they offered us the Fabio Wardley fight and then the Tyson Fury fight, AJ would have absolutely no problems taking that ASAP.”

Joshua has the leverage to demand the fight. As proof:

• Turki allowed Terence Crawford to jump straight to Canelo at 168 with zero fights in the division.

• Joshua remains one of the two biggest global names in heavyweight boxing.

If Joshua truly insisted on Wardley next, he could tell Turki:

“Wardley first or no Fury fight.”

But so far, Joshua hasn’t done that.

Which suggests that while Wardley may be his “preference,” the Fury fight is still the one he’s resigned to prioritizing.