Arguably the biggest fight in the history of British boxing looks to be close after Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn stated on Wednesday that talks are nearing completion to secure a two-fight deal between the two men who currently monopolise heavyweight boxing.
Initial terms are understood to be agreed for two colossal tussles between the two boxing rivals, in what will be the first time in history that two Englishman have fought each other for all the marbles in the heavyweight division.
“We’re making great progress,” Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, told Sky Sports News. “There is still a lot to overcome. We are looking at venues and dates. 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’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.
“[There’s] a lot to overcome in the meantime. We’re moving in the right direction. I’m confident that both guys have giving 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.
View this post on Instagram
One night I slept at the boxing gym. I realised this is where my dreams begin #StayHungry
“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.”
As Hean notes, several hurdles still remain. Fury is locked into a third fight with Deontay Wilder after the American opted to use a clause in his contract which would guarantee a third fight against Fury if he lost the second, while Joshua has his own business to conduct with mandatory challengers like Dillian Whyte and Kubrat Pulev.
The deal, though, appears close and should both men not suffer a defeat in their next bouts, the summer of 2021 promises one of the most seismic days in British boxing history.
