Eddie Hearn claims drug testing ‘wasn’t adhered to’ in Tyson Fury’s contract to fight Anthony Joshua

TYSON FURY started drug testing later than Anthony Joshua ahead of their December 11 super-fight, according to AJ promoter Eddie Hearn. The Matchroom boss does not suggest anything improper has occurred and he does not blame the 38-year-old Gypsy King. The build-up to Fury versus AJ is getting personal Credit: Getty Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn and AJ are on the attack against Tyson Fury Credit: PA But the British heavyweight pair have differing and confidential contracts that have allowed Fury to enter the anti-doping process after the 36-year-old London 2012 legend. Following Pat Brown’s impressive body shot KO of John Hedges on Saturday night in Manchester, Hearn explained: “The drug testing protocol is the same as what has always been in the contract. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! “It wasn’t adhered to in its form. “I don’t actually, necessarily blame Tyson Fury for that because I don’t think – as we have found out on many occasions – I don’t think what is in AJ’s contract is the same as what is in AJ’s contract. “Testing was supposed to start when the original contracts were signed. And it didn’t for them. “I don’t think it had it in his contract that it had to start then, so this is not me saying he didn’t enrol, I don’t think he was obligated to enrol. “But in our contract he was obligated to enrol. Fury claimed he had signed a three-fight deal – that included the AJ shootout – in January when he announced his Arslanbek Makhmudov bout. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS And Hearn revealed in April that AJ had signed his version of the contract, following painfully drawn-out rows over the deal. Fury and cousin Hughie accepted backdated UKAD bans in 2017 following failed tests in 2015. But Hearn says he is not trying to raise any red flags, just demonstrating the flaws in separate contracts, especially with American brand TKO also trying to muscle in on promotion. He said: “There have been many issues along the way, with the contracts, that we have let slip and ride, because we want to stay in the fight and we want to make sure the fight happens. “The ones we weren’t willing to let slip and ride were the location and TKO’s involvement. “The protocol was supposed to start earlier but it is now in line with most other fights. “I don’t necessarily blame Tyson Fury for that, I just think what we asked for was not in his personal contract, so he did not have to do it.” The Home of Boxing in 2026 There's a massive year of boxing ahead! It has already been a blockbuster year inside the ring, and it is not going to stop anytime soon! All eyes are focused on when Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will get in the ring, with the pair due to finally settle their decade-long rivalry. In his first world title fight, Conor Benn has been beaten in TWO ROUNDS by WBC champion Ryan Garcia. October’s action doesn’t stop either, with Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois facing off in the rematch of their thrilling fight in May, while Canelo Alvarez returns against Christian Mbili on Halloween. Here’s all the big fights coming up… September Sat 19 – Isaac Cruz vs Nestor Bravo – DAZN October Sat 3 – Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace – DAZN Sat 17 – Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 – DAZN Sat 31 – Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbili – DAZN *If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue. Comment now