Joshua v Fury Won’t Happen at Croke Park – Hearn

Eddie Hearn has clarified that a heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will not take place at Croke Park. The promoter also announced plans to meet in Dublin this week to finalize arrangements for Taylor’s upcoming farewell bout. While the stadium’s chief executive, Peter McKenna, hinted last week at the possibility of a shared event featuring both Taylor and Fury, Hearn has made it clear that Taylor will be the central focus of any big night at the venue.

Fury recently returned to the ring after a 16-month hiatus, showcasing his dominance against Arslanbek Makhmudov in a 12-round display. During the fight, he directly called for a showdown with Joshua, who was present at ringside. However, Hearn insists that the long-awaited matchup between the two fighters will not be staged at Croke Park. “Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury is not going to happen here,” he stated on Matchroom Boxing’s social media platform. “Katie Taylor deserves to be the sole star attraction of any event at Croke Park.”

“There is nothing else on the agenda apart from Katie Taylor,” Hearn said. “If there is a fight at Croke Park, it should be Katie Taylor and Katie Taylor only. That is the whole story; that is the history, the legacy, and nothing short of what she deserves.”

Taylor, 39, has not competed since her trilogy victory over Amanda Serrano in New York last summer. She has openly expressed her wish to conclude her career with a final bout in Dublin. Despite previous attempts to book Croke Park, which fell through due to security costs, Hearn is determined to make it happen this time.

As a two-weight undisputed champion, Taylor has previously fought in Dublin at the 3 Arena, where she faced Chantelle Cameron. Hearn highlighted her remarkable achievements, including Olympic gold, European amateur titles, and world championship status. “She’s sold out Madison Square Garden, boxed at Wembley Stadium and the Millennium Stadium,” he added. “This is the moment Irish sport stops to honor not just one of the greatest athletes of all time, but a true icon from Ireland.”

With significant public support and momentum building, Hearn and his team are committed to securing Croke Park for Taylor’s farewell fight. “Katie deserves this so much,” he said. “We’ll do everything we can to make it happen.”

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