TheCable

Anthony Joshua, British-Nigerian boxing heavyweight champion, has agreed in principle to a two-fight deal with Tyson Fury, his rival champion.

Eddie Hearn, a boxing promoter, told Sky Sports that the Britain’s champions have given their blessings to the deal and the first encounters will happen in 2021.

“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,” he said.

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.”

Hearn, head of Matchroom Sports which promotes Joshua’s boxing interests, however, said that there are still some hurdles to clear for the fight to become reality.

These includes Joshua’s mandatory title defences against Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev and Britain’s Dillian Whyte respectively, and Tyson Fury’s rematch against Deontey Wilder to defend his WBC belt.

“We have the Dillian Whyte mandatory which is due before this fight, [but] 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,” he added.

“There is a big period of time where Whyte should get his shot at the title. That’s important to us. [But] the main positive news is that Joshua and Fury have agreed to a two-fight deal, in essence.”

He further disclosed that although the financial aspects have been agreed, both parties are yet to draft or sign any contract.

“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,” Hearn said.

“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.”

The 41-year-old touted the fight as “the biggest of our generation” but also disclosed that a venue is still an obstacle to overcome despite many offers already on the table.

“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,” he added.

“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.”