Updated: Jun 11, 2020 2:13 am
Stunning news today as it was revealed that Anthony Joshua & Tyson Fury agree to a two-fight deal.
The news fight fans have been waiting for has finally arrived, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Anthony Joshua & Tyson Fury agree a two-fight deal. While no contracts have officially been signed, both fighters have agreed on the terms to face each other next year, which in itself is big news.
The pair currently hold all the world heavyweight titles between them, with Anthony Joshua holding IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles while Tyson Fury holds the WBC & Ring heavyweight titles. Both fighters have other commitments before the two can face each other in a unification title fight and providing both fighters come through tests unscathed, the boxing world will be set to see one of the biggest heavyweight title fights in British boxing history.
There is much wrangling to be done before the most anticipated fight in the history of boxing is even close to getting it over the line, but the main thing is both fighter have agreed the terms to face each other which is huge progress.
Long-term British rivals have been in negotiations before, but unable to come to an agreement. But this time, both parties have agreed to a two-fight deal in 2021.
“We’re making great progress,” Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said.
“We have the Dillian Whyte mandatory which is due before this fight.
“It’s fair to say [Joshua and Fury] are in agreement regarding the financial terms of the fight.
“We’re in a good place. It’s fair to say that, in principle, both guys have agreed to that fight. Two fights.
“[There’s] a lot to overcome in the meantime. We’re moving in the right direction. I’m confident that both guys have given their blessing for the fight to go ahead.
“The point of Fury, Joshua and the teams agreeing to the structure of the deal? The first fight could happen next summer. It will be 2021.
“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. The structure of the deal has been put forward, and agreed to by both parties.
“There is a model in place that both parties are happy with.
“It’s the biggest fight ever in British boxing. 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.”
The dream bout is sure to happen, but before that, Tyson Fury will need to get past Deontay Wilder in their third fight and Anthony Joshua will need to get past his next opponent, which is mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.
Anthony Joshua should sweep aside Pulev with ease providing he sticks to his game plan like he did in the second fight with Andy Ruiz. Tyson Fury will have the bigger challenge in Deontay Wilder and if the Gypsy King manages to find another way to knockout the bronze bomber, then its all set up for Anthony Joshua to face Tyson Fury to determine the unified heavyweight boxing champion in 2021.
Speaking about where and when the fight can take place, Eddie Hearn had this to say:
“There are discussions with various sites.
“From a common-sense point of view and without knowing how a deal works, everyone will say Britain is the place to hold the fight. But it is the world heavyweight championship – there will be all sorts of offers from across the world, and there have been already.
“The venue is another obstacle to overcome.”
Fury’s UK-based promoter Frank Warren had previously told Sky Sports: “This is not a difficult fight to make.
“It’s not about me or [Hearn’s company] Matchroom. It’s about getting this fight made.”
