Promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that Tyson Fury is too confident about winning his fight with Anthony Joshua.
A fight between IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO belt-holder Joshua and WBC and Ring Magazine titlist Fury is on the cards for June with the boxers’ camps close to agreeing a deal for a two-fight event.
The pair have already agreed financial terms but there are some remaining details to be ironed out, though a venue is believed to have been finalised for the first fight. Hearn has in the past said that it looks likely that at least the first fight will be held abroad due to the economic and logistical impact of the coronavirus on holding events in the United Kingdom.
Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank said he was certain that his fighter would beat Joshua when they do eventually meet.
Hearn contested that belief, telling Sky Sports: "I don't think anyone can be 100 per cent confident about anyone winning a fight like this.
"They could fight 10 times and wouldn't get the 10 same results.
"I believe Joshua is the favourite in this fight. I know that, with the bookies, Fury is.
"But I see the improvements that Anthony makes and the desire that he has got.
"But I've written Fury off before - against Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder. He proved me wrong.
"But I don't believe he will prove me wrong this time.
"I believe our guy wins.
"But talk is cheap. We've got to roll the dice and find out."
Hearn does not believe that Deontay Wilder - in dispute with Fury over their derailed trilogy fight - and Joshua’s WBO mandatory challenger, Oleksandr Usyk, will prevent the fight going ahead.
"It's a must for both guys," Hearn said.
"I'm really confident it will happen.
"We've been here before. Amir Khan vs Kell Brook? This is bigger, much bigger.
"When a fight of this magnitude presents itself and you've got two guys that want it, generally we will see it.
"I can't wait to see AJ crowned undisputed. This year he will make it happen.”