Eddie Hearn Claims Tyson Fury Rejected Dublin Fight Before Choosing Mariusz Wach

Tyson Fury will face 46-year-old Polish journeyman Mariusz Wach in a low-profile bout in Thailand, and promoter Eddie Hearn believes the former heavyweight champion turned down a more lucrative offer to fight elsewhere.

Hearn, who promotes Fury's rival Anthony Joshua, claimed that Fury rejected a proposal to fight unbeaten Nelson Hysa in Dublin this August. Instead, Fury opted for a fight against Wach, who has lost eight of his last ten bouts, in a venue with no television broadcast—the event will be featured later on a Netflix series.

Hearn's Theory

Speaking to talkSPORT, Hearn speculated that Fury turned down the Dublin offer because he found the financial terms insulting. 'He probably looked at the money and went, 'Right, I'm going to go and fight in Thailand',' Hearn said. He described the move as typical of Fury's maverick personality, suggesting the fight is primarily to keep Fury active and motivated ahead of a potential showdown with Joshua later this year.

Fury's trainer, Sugar Hill Steward, defended the choice, saying any fight carries risk and that Fury has the right to stay busy. 'Jeopardy in every fight. It could be a bad cut. Anything could happen,' Steward added.

Key Points

• Tyson Fury fights Mariusz Wach in Thailand on a date to be announced.
• Wach, 46, has not won a fight since 2020 and has lost to top names like Wladimir Klitschko and Dillian Whyte.
• The bout is a warm-up ahead of a signed heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua, expected in November.
• Eddie Hearn claims Fury rejected an offer to fight Nelson Hysa in Dublin due to financial reasons.
• The fight will not be broadcast live on traditional TV but will appear on a Netflix series.

The outcome of Fury's bout with Wach, and Joshua's separate fight against Kristian Prenga a day earlier, will set the stage for their long-awaited meeting. Both fighters are under contract to face each other later this year, pending no injuries or setbacks.