Anthony Joshua has revealed “positive news” as the negotiations to finalise a venue for his showdown with Tyson Fury intensify.
The IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion has stayed tight-lipped in recent weeks. In marked contrast to the Fury camp, which has openly doubted if the finances exist for the fight to happen now.
Fury vs Joshua venue offer
But AJ took to social media late on Tuesday to reveal that he has received a first official offer to stage the battle for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. The bout would crown the first undisputed ruler of boxing’s marquee weight class since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Public service announcement. More official news to follow, stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/b0TkFvQlGr
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) April 11, 2021
Joshua said: “Positive news this evening! I’m lacing up my running boots rn! @258MGT (AJ’s management company) and @matchroomboxing (his promoter) have received the first OFFICIAL offer to host the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship Of The World! I will be victorious God willing!”
Despite positive noises coming from all directions in the last four or five days, Fury meanwhile continues to ramp up the pressure. He said in an interview on Monday that he will move on if the fight is not announced today (Tuesday).
Saudi the hot favourite
Saudi Arabia remains hot favourite to host the first bout between the pair. They have signed a two-fight deal with an immediate rematch planned before the end of 2021.
The first meeting is expected to take place in July, with July 24 being the planned date in the unlikely event Wembley Stadium in London gets the nod.
Record purses
Both men are expected to earn around $100million for their first fight alone – with a good chunk of that coming via the expected huge site fee. Saudi Arabia reportedly paid $60million to host Joshua vs Andy Ruiz 2 in December 2019, but the Fury vs Joshua deal is expected to dwarf that.
Not surprisingly, Fury and Joshua’s purses will be record-breaking for British fighters.
