Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed the initial terms of a two-fight deal which would represent one of the most seismic contests in the history of British heavyweight boxing.
“We’re making great progress,” Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports News. “There is still a lot to overcome. We are looking at venues and dates. [Fury has] the Dillian Whyte mandatory which is due before this fight.
“It’s fair to say they are in agreement regarding the financial terms of the fight. We’ve been talking to MTK (Fury’s promoters), 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
Given Fury’s mandatory bout with Whyte, as well as the ongoing restrictions on crowds due to the coronavirus pandemic, any fight is unlikely before next summer.
The first fight could happen next summer, It will be 2021,” said Hearn. “There is a big period of time where Whyte should get his shot at the title. That’s important to us. The main positive news is that Joshua and Fury have agreed to a two-fight deal, in essence.
The most difficult part of any deal is the financial element. I believe we’re in a great place where both guys have agreed to what that should be. We have not signed contracts because there are still things to be worked out. We’re pushing towards a place where they can be drafted, for 2021. Both guys are in agreement.”
Fury is the unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion, and not only needs to face Whyte by next February but is also contracted to meet Deontay Wilder for a third time, having shared a draw and then knocked out the American in their first two meetings.
Joshua holds the IBF, WBA and WBO belts and must fight Kubrat Pulev before facing Fury.
“It’s the biggest fight ever in British boxing,” said Hearn. ”It doesn’t get bigger, and there will never be a bigger fight in our generation. Two guys, very different, who fight differently, have experienced different things and have come back from adversity.”
