Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua appears to be within touching distance at last, and Eddie Hearn has ramped up the pressure on Fury to make it happen.
‘The Gypsy King’ is now pondering his next move after his plans to fight before the end of the year collapsed. First his trilogy fight against Deontay Wilder was scuppered. And then a planned December 5 homecoming also bit the dust.
Now there has been talk of Fury potentially fighting in February or March, but Hearn has urged him to go straight to the bout everybody wants. That unification match against Joshua.
Hearn: Let’s make Fury vs Joshua happen
He told Sky Sports: “We have the dynamics of the deal in place. I don’t want to hear [from] Fury: ‘No, I’m thinking about fighting in March or April.’ Why? Just go straight into the AJ fight. It’s going to be the same timeframe.
“[Fury] boxed in February. It’s not like he’s been out and he didn’t box in 2020.
“Listen, Fury doesn’t want to take a small fight. They couldn’t even get the money together to give him a fight in December, so let’s give him plenty of money. Let’s give him the biggest fight.
“Fury wants to fight AJ, unquestionably, and AJ wants to fight Fury.”
Joshua must take care of Pulev business
Joshua of course must take care of some business before that undisputed fight can be made. He defends his IBF, WBA and WBO titles against Kubrat Pulev on December 12 (live on Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN).
“It’s no conversation to be had until AJ’s hand is raised on December 12.
“Once that is made, let’s get it on. Let’s give everyone the fight they want and deserve.”
Fury and Joshua have the financial structure of a two-fight deal already agreed in principle. The first bout would be a 50-50 revenue split. The winner would take a 60-40 share in the immediate rematch.
There is one other fly in the ointment before they can meet, in the shape of WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk. He is pushing hard to face AJ after the Watford man has met Pulev.
If his claims are ratified, then Joshua would likely be left with a stark choice. Fight him and delay a Fury showdown. Or vacate the belt to meet ‘The Gypsy King’. That would mean Fury vs Joshua would no longer be for the undisputed heavyweight title.
