Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will finally meet at the end of 2023 in a blockbuster heavyweight clash.
That’s the verdict of Barry Hearn, the former boss of Matchroom who has watched his son, Eddie, guide Joshua’s career from professional debut to heavyweight champion to worldwide attraction.
The British pair have been on collision course for a number of years but multiple negotiation periods between the rivals have failed to secure an official date.
Both fighters are currently headed in different directions, but Hearn, a Hall of Fame promoter, is confident that the eagerly anticipated clash is not too far away.
"The fight we all want to see eventually is AJ against Fury,” said Hearn when speaking to Sky Sports.
“You'll get stories, Tyson will say the fight is never going to happen, Joshua will say he'd rather fight Dillian White. Forget all of that.
"This fight has to happen, and I think it does happen at the tail-end of 2023, for all the marbles."