Promoter Eddie Hearn has definitively ruled out the possibility of a heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua taking place at Dublin's Croke Park, redirecting attention to what he calls the "real story"—securing the iconic stadium for Katie Taylor's retirement fight.
Speaking on Matchroom Boxing's social media channel, Hearn dismissed recent speculation that Fury's return to the ring might lead to a blockbuster event in Ireland. "Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury, for me, is not going to happen at Croke Park," Hearn stated firmly. "Katie Taylor is not fighting on any undercard. If there is a fight at Croke Park, it should be Katie Taylor and Katie Taylor only."
Hearn emphasized that Taylor, a two-weight undisputed champion and Olympic gold medalist, deserves sole spotlight for what would be her farewell bout. "That is the whole story; that is the history, the legacy and nothing short of what she deserves," he said, confirming he will travel to Dublin on Friday for talks with Croke Park officials.
"There is nothing else on the agenda apart from Katie Taylor."
Taylor, 39, has long expressed her desire to fight at the 82,000-capacity stadium before retiring. Despite previous attempts falling through—with security costs cited as a barrier—Hearn believes momentum is building for what would be a historic moment in Irish sports.
"There's massive public demand and momentum for this to happen," Hearn noted. "She's sold out Madison Square Garden, boxed at Wembley Stadium, the Millennium Stadium, so this is the moment Irish sport stops and pays homage to not just one of the greatest people of all time, but one of the greatest athletes ever to come out of Ireland."
Taylor hasn't fought since her trilogy victory over Amanda Serrano in New York last summer. Hearn vowed to "do everything we can" to make her Croke Park dream a reality, calling it the fitting culmination of a legendary career that has seen her achieve virtually every honor in boxing.