Anthony Joshua has teased his millions of fans that we could soon get big news about his planned superfight with fellow British world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Joshua and Fury currently hold all of the major world heavyweight title belts – AJ is the IBF, WBA and WBO king while Fury is the WBC ruler.
For weeks now, promoters Eddie Hearn and Bob Arum have been telling us that the completion of a deal for Fury vs Joshua is close. But as yet, no announcement to say contracts are signed.
Joshua on positive meeting
AJ though took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to give a positive update, which suggests things are moving in the right direction.
He said: “Another positive meeting with @258mgt (AJ’s management company). They’ve informed me things are shaping up nicely. They will be sharing the update with Eddie and you’ll be hearing from me soon.”
Another positive meeting with @258mgt. They've informed me things are shaping up nicely. They will be sharing the update with Eddie and you'll be hearing from me soon ????????
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) February 23, 2021
Joshua and Fury agreed in principle the financial structure for a two-fight deal as far back as June 10 last year. But as yet no contracts are signed. It is expected they will meet in June, likely in the Middle East.
Of course fight fans in the UK would love to see the fight take place on these shores, but the current COVID-19 restrictions mean that is virtually impossible. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Dubai are all apparently in the running to stage the bout.
Massive payday
A huge site fee and a likely box-office smash with both Sky Sports and BT Sport broadcasting the pay-per-view means a massive payday for both fighters. Arum said he expects both men to earn around $100million each for their night’s work.
The last remaining obstacle to Fury vs Joshua being for the undisputed world heavyweight champions meanwhile appears to have been removed. WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk is set to meet Joe Joyce for the interim title, possibly in early May.
I’ll be undisputed ???? @258mgt pic.twitter.com/uWWIc8P0Rn
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) February 23, 2021
That means Joshua is free to take on Fury with all of the heavyweight marbles on the line. The winner will be the first undisputed heavyweight king since Lennox Lewis in November 1999.
