A blockbuster two-fight series between the two best heavyweights on the planet is edging closer to reality.
According to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, both fights between British world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are looking increasing likely to take place in 2021 with an agreement almost at a contract stage.
WBC king Fury and WBA Super, IBF and WBO title-holder Joshua had already agreed to meet in principle after contracted clashes with Deontay Wilder and Kubrat Pulev respectively.
Subsequent talks have progressed positively between Hearn and Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum with a deal now appearing close.
“I’ve been talking to Bob Arum about various things,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “Fury against Joshua is a big ambition of everybody involved, to be honest. We want to talk about it, but we also want to take care of business, which is Kubrat Pulev for AJ, and Deontay Wilder for Tyson Fury.
“[But] I’m very sure you’re going to see two versions of that fight in 2021. I think we’re on the verge now of papering that deal with Bob Arum. We haven’t done it yet, but all the conversations are positive.
“We have a lot on our plates with the [Covid-19] pandemic, making sure we keep boxing alive and trying to deliver those fights for AJ and Fury, but I think 2021, I’m very sure you’ll see those two fights.”