Major Update On The Status of Anthony Joshua Vs. Tyson Fury
As more information is revealed, FIGHT SPORTS will be providing all the latest from the announcement.
With the way negotiations in boxing can be stalled at several points, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn is looking to change all of that. The promoter has appeared to have stepped over the first major hurdle when it comes to a future Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury undisputed heavyweight title fight.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn stated that the two have come to an agreement in principle to a two-fight deal. The financial factors appear to have been handled. Now, fans will have to wait for the next few months of fights to play out exactly as they hoped.
“We’re making great progress,” Hearn stated. “There is still a lot to overcome. We are looking at venues and dates… It’s fair to say [Joshua and Fury] are in agreement regarding the financial terms of the fight.
“We’ve been talking to [Fury’s management team] MTK, giving them the assurances from Joshua’s side that all the details on the structure of the deal is approved from our side. And it is from Fury’s side, as well. We’re in a good place. It’s fair to say that, in principle, both guys have agreed to that fight. Two fights.”
Hearn would state that there is still the need for a WBC Heavyweight Title fight between current champion Fury and interim champion Dillian Whyte. The deadline for Whyte, who has been ranked number one by the WBC since 2017, to earn a shot at the title is February 2021. Between that is a fight between Fury and Deontay Wilder.
WBC and lineal Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury took to Instagram to discuss the announcement:
“Hello there! I’m just off from getting off the phone with Daniel Kinahan. He just informed me that the biggest fight in British boxing history has just been agreed… big shoutout Dan, he got this done. Literally over the line, two-fight deal, Tyson Fury v. Anthony Joshua, next year.
“One problem: I’ve just got to smash Deontay Wilder’s face right in in the next fight, and then we’re going into the Joshua fight. “The Gypsy King” v. “AJ” is on for next year, but there’s a hurdle in the road called “The Bronze Bomber” aka The Knockout King and I will get onto him.”
There are several factors involved that could alter plans.
“[There’s] a lot to overcome in the meantime,” Hearn went on to say. “We’re moving in the right direction. I’m confident that both guys have given their blessing for the fight to go ahead.”
Fury is scheduled to face Wilder in a trilogy bout for the WBC Heavyweight Title. Fury beat Wilder in a one-sided affair in February, following their epic 2018 clash. Wilder immediately exercised his rematch clause, but the bout has been postponed three times due to the coronavirus. As of now, the two will face one another by November or December, depending on Wilder’s recovery time from biceps surgery and a venue for the fight. If Wilder isn’t able to go, Whyte would most likely take his place.
On Joshua’s end, the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight Champion is set to face Kubrat Pulev. The bout between the mandatory IBF challenger and Joshua was supposed to take place in June but was postponed. There are rumors it could take place in November, as long as a crowd is available. Joshua is currently healing from a knee injury and is expected to be out for four weeks.
Regardless of the busy schedules of both, Hearn is sure that by late 2021, the fight will be official, with no issues on either side.