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There’s only one fight that matters in heavyweight boxing right now, and that huge bout between British boxing stars is on its way to becoming a reality according to a new report published by Sky Sports on Wednesday.
Per that report:
Britain’s rival champions have been holding talks over an undisputed world heavyweight title fight and have thrashed out initial terms for two blockbuster battles.
Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, who represents unified champion Anthony Joshua revealed to Michael Bridge, Richard Damerell and James Dielhenn that it was “fair to say” Joshua and Tyson Fury had agreed “in principle” to face each other to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing in 20 years.
“It’s fair to say that, in principle, both guys have agreed to that fight,” Hearn said. “Two fights.”
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed on a two-fight deal, promoter Eddie Hearn tells @SkySportsNews
Hearn suggested Fury facing Joshua would be a once-in-a-generation type showdown.
“It’s the biggest fight ever in British boxing,” Hearn said. “It doesn’t get bigger, and there will never be a bigger fight in our generation.”
Fury relayed the same message via social media when he confirmed the massive news to his followers.
It’s official FURY VS JOSUAR AGREED FOR NEXT YEAR, I got to smash @bronzebomber first then I’ll annihilate @anthonyfjoshua #WEARESPARTANS
MASSIVE THANKS TO DANIEL KINNERHAN FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.🙏🏻👍🏻 god bless
Fury vs. Joshua Date, Venue and Other Important Information
That doesn’t mean anything is set in stone right now.
Rather, what Hearn seems to be saying is that the two sides have agreed on the financial terms of the fight and that there would be two Fury vs. Joshua fights.
Additionally, Hearn said he believes the financial aspects of any fight negotiation are the hardest part to deliver for each side and that the promoter feels reasonably confident the two sides will make the huge heavyweight fight happen now that both are satisfied with their ends of the bargain.
“We’re making great progress,” Hearn said. “There is still a lot to overcome. We are looking at venues and dates.”
When it happens, it will be the biggest fight in British boxing history 🇬🇧
For all the marbles 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Hearn said the first fight would likely happen next summer, and Fury said the same thing in his social media post.
On top of that, Fury said he has to attend to some unfinished business beforehand.
“One problem, I just have to smash Deontay Wilder’s face right in, in the next fight and then we go into the Joshua fight,” Fury said.
Boxing Scene’s Keith Idec laid out just how many other things might have to happen before Fury vs. Joshua actually comes to pass.
So Fury vs. Joshua seems to be on its way but it’s also something that could still be derailed by other fights and upsets. That or “step aside” money might have to be paid out to some mandatory challengers so that Fury vs. Joshua can move to the front of the line.
That would be best for boxing overall, but the sport consistently shoots itself in the foot in terms of making the biggest and best fights at the right time.
Fury vs. Wilder 3 Remains on Horizon
Fury dominated and stopped Wilder in the 7th round in February in the hotly anticipated rematch of two stalwart heavyweight champions.
The two had previously fought to a controversial split draw in December 2018. Fury largely outboxed the American power puncher for the majority of the fight, but Wilder scored two knockdowns late, once in the 9th and again in the 12th, to escape with the draw.
But Fury completely dismantled Wilder in the rematch to the point that most observers don’t even believe a third fight is all that necessary.
Regardless, Wilder’s rematch clause guarantees he gets another shot at fighting Fury if he wants it, and that’s what the American is choosing to do.
So Fury has to get by Wilder again before facing Joshua next summer.
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Tyson Fury Lines up ‘Biggest Fight Ever in British Boxing’