Tyson Fury’s decision to fight 46‑year‑old Mariusz Wach in Thailand has attracted criticism, but Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn says there was a straightforward reason.
Hearn explained that Fury was originally slated to return on a Dublin undercard, but after receiving what he described as a “disrespectful” financial offer for another comeback fight, Fury opted for a low‑key bout in Pattaya. Hearn views the match as a way for Fury to stay sharp ahead of a possible 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 rejected the original offer because he felt the money was insufficient.
“He probably looked at the money being offered and thought it was an insult, so he decided to go fight in Thailand,” Hearn said. “There’s no TV, just about 1,500 people in a random stadium in Thailand against a guy who’s lost eight of his last ten. But Tyson Fury is a maverick—he’ll do whatever he wants.”
Fury will meet Wach on July 24 at Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya, a bout widely viewed as a stay‑busy fight before a potential showdown with Joshua later this year.
Even amid criticism, Hearn says he understands Fury’s approach.
“It’s probably more about staying in training camp, staying 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 only Tyson Fury would do this.”
“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.’”
Olly Campbell is a boxing journalist who has covered the sport since 2014, providing ringside reporting and technical analysis of major bouts. His work focuses on fighter tendencies, tactical adjustments, and the details that shape high‑level competition.
