Eddie Hearn Sells a Prime Tyson Fury That No Longer Exists

Eddie Hearn says Tyson Fury is still in his physical prime, but the fighter he is describing no longer resembles the version seen earlier in Fury’s career. That form has been absent for several years.

Fury has not looked like a heavyweight at his best across his last three fights. He struggled with Francis Ngannou, then lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk in bouts that highlighted slowing reactions, fading stamina, and a reduced ability to impose himself physically.

A year away from the ring has not reversed those trends. Fury now looks older, more worn, and less solid. The decline that was already visible in 2024 has continued.

Fury officially retired in early 2025 after the second loss to Usyk, making this latest return another reversal at age 37 rather than a fresh reset.

“He’s still in his prime. He lost two very close fights to Oleksandr Usyk. It’s not like, ‘oh, he’s finished now,’” Hearn told Sky Sports. “It’d be interesting to see who he faces. I think they’re talking potentially around April time.”

Hearn’s position is understandable. He has spent years pursuing a fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua, and that possibility remains unresolved.

Joshua is currently away from the sport following last month’s car accident in Nigeria, with no timetable announced for his return. Any comeback from Fury that fails to convince would likely close off that option altogether.

Current plans point to Fury returning in early 2026 with a tune-up fight. Names such as Arslanbek Makhmudov and Brandon Moore have been mentioned. At this stage of his career, Fury cannot afford to lose or look poor.

Even against limited or unproven opposition, a flat performance would reinforce what his recent fights have already shown. A poor showing would complicate any future plans involving Joshua and underline the difference between the image being promoted and the version appearing in the ring.

Hearn continues to promote Fury as a dominant heavyweight. Fury’s record, however, reflects a more uneven arc. His defining victory came in 2015 against a 39-year-old Wladimir Klitschko, a performance that brought immediate stature and financial reward. The years that followed included extended absences from the sport.

After returning, Fury rebuilt his standing through a series of lower-risk fights before defeating Deontay Wilder, a champion with notable power but clear technical limits. That rivalry carried commercial value without establishing long-term dominance. Since then, Fury’s wins have come against opponents such as Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora, fighters with name recognition but limited claims at the elite level.

Hearn can continue to promote an earlier version of Fury. The sport itself has moved in a different direction.