Eddie Hearn has confirmed that a heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will not take place at Croke Park, dashing hopes for a blockbuster boxing event in Dublin. Hearn, who promotes both Joshua and Katie Taylor, made the announcement while confirming he will travel to Dublin on Friday to advance talks for Taylor's farewell fight at the 82,000-capacity stadium.

Last week, Croke Park stadium chief executive Peter McKenna had suggested that Taylor could headline a major boxing card at the venue, potentially sharing the spotlight with Fury. The Gypsy King marked his return to the ring after 16 months with a victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and immediately called for a fight with Joshua, who was present at ringside. However, Hearn stated that Joshua-Fury belongs on a different stage entirely.

Hearn emphasized that Katie Taylor deserves to be the sole star attraction of any event at Croke Park, calling it a matter of legacy and respect for the two-weight undisputed champion. The 39-year-old Irish boxer has expressed her desire to fight one final time in Dublin before retiring, having already achieved European amateur champion, Olympic gold medallist, and undisputed champion status. Hearn and his team will "do everything we can" to secure the stadium for what he describes as a moment when "Irish sport stops and pays homage" to one of Ireland's greatest athletes.