Error code: %{errorCode}

Boxing

Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury announcement edging ever closer, says Eddie Hearn

Liam Happe
Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury announcement edging ever closer, says Eddie Hearn(Getty Images)
The promoter of one of the heavyweight champions set to be involved in 2021's huge unification bout has given an update on its progress.

Eddie Hearn says the planned megafight between British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is "moving in the right direction", as an announcement confirming the fight could be on its way soon.

So far we know that the two sides are working off an agreement in principle put together in basic form last year, where the two will face off twice. The first fight would be a 50-50 financial split, with the second — assuming both fighters still want it — on a 60-40 split in favour of the winner of the first bout.

We also know that neither fighter intends to box again before facing one another, leaving the path clear. And it seems locked on that the first contest will not take place in the UK, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how much more will be on offer overseas thanks to lucrative site fee offers.

Hearn recently said we could be just two weeks away from an announcement confirming contracts have been signed, but that a second announcement at a later date for the exact time and place is likely.

And AJ's promoter offered another update on Friday via the official Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel.

"We're back and forward with draft contracts," he said. "We've sent a draft contract, they've sent some minor changes nothing too big, so again we're moving in the right direction.

"I've lost count of the number of times I've said 'the next two weeks' but the next two weeks we hope for an official announcement and then we go out and decide where this thing will take place."

Watch on YouTube

On the venue situation, he added: "We've had massive offers from the Middle East.

"We're talking to Qatar, we're talking to Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, we're talking to Singapore, we're talking to China, we're talking to America.

"A couple of wildcards in there as well. But first of all I want to make sure the deal is in place then we can go out there and talk to these people sensibly and with confidence this fight is happening, and like I said we're a couple of weeks away."