Tyson Fury’s decision to face 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in Thailand has drawn criticism from boxing fans, but Eddie Hearn believes there was a simple reason behind it.
The Matchroom promoter says Fury was originally expected to return on the planned Dublin card before deciding to head to Pattaya after what Hearn believes was an insulting financial offer for another comeback bout. Instead, Fury chose a low-key fight that Hearn sees as little more than a chance to stay sharp before a proposed November clash with Anthony Joshua.
“I think that he was going to fight on that Dublin undercard, which was always the plan,” Hearn told Playbook Boxing. “They wanted him to fight Nelson Hysa. I think it’s probably after he fought Mahmoudov. I think he just wants… he really wants a spar.”
Hearn believes Fury decided it wasn’t worth accepting the original offer.
“I think that he probably looked at the money that he was being offered, which he probably thought was an insult knowing Tyson Fury, and went, ‘Right… I’m going to go and fight in Thailand,’” Hearn said. “There’s no TV, right? There’s like 1,500 people in a random stadium in Thailand against a bloke who’s lost eight out of his last 10. But it’s true Tyson Fury, maverick, saying, ‘I’m going to do whatever I want.’”
Fury will meet Wach on July 24 at Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya. The bout has been widely viewed as a stay-busy fight before a potential showdown with Joshua later this year.
Despite the criticism surrounding the matchup, Hearn said he understands Fury’s approach.
“This is more probably for himself to stay in training camp, to stay motivated and fit for that big fight in November,” Hearn said. “I’m not mad at it. It’s just a little bit weird. But it’s only Tyson Fury would do this.”
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Last Updated on 2026/07/12 at 10:21 PM
