2 weeks ago
1 It’s the fight every boxing fan wants and it appears Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury will finally happen next year.
Joshua produced a stunning win to end 2020 as champion by destroying Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena in brutal style.
Joshua and Fury have agreed financial terms to meet in 2021, but there are still obstacles to overcome before this is a done dealAJ welcomed a fight with Fury in the aftermath of his superb victory.
The Gypsy King, who claimed his own incredible victory in February against Deontay Wilder, is now ready to take on his British rival in 2021.
Here’s what we know about the historic match-up so far…
Joshua v Fury: When could it happen?
Fury was expected to face Germany’s Agit Kabayelhe in December but that was abandoned and he has said he will now not return to the ring until 2021.
Wilder has called on Fury to ‘honour his agreement’ for a third fight, but the Brit insists he is ready to pursue a different path.
It is expected that Joshua v Fury have already agreed a two-fight deal with the first coming next summer and the second at some time in winter 2021.
The financial terms state that the first bout will be a 50/50 purse split, while the rematch will be a 60/40 split in favour of whomever wins the first.
Joshua found the finish in round nineMatchroomJoshua v Fury: What has been said?
Anthony Joshua has stated he DOES want Tyson Fury next, and promoter Eddie Hearn has promised to make it happen.
After beating Pulev, AJ said: “I’ve been chasing the belts since I started this. It’s not about the man, it’s about the belt and the legacy. If it’s Tyson Fury with the WBC belt, then let it be Tyson Fury.”
Hearn said: “There is no reason we cannot complete the deal and then move on and solve the other problems.
Asked how long realistically it would take to complete the deal, Hearn added: “A couple of days.
“We need to write to the governing bodies and say yes we have a deal and we will now talk to the various sites and confirm the dates shortly for what I suppose will be the end of May.
“The only hitch I can think of is [Deontay] Wilder. If the court orders the Fury rematch, and it doesn’t sound as though they will, then it is out of our hands.
“That is the only way it falls through is if something stops their side, that isn’t me saying they don’t want it, they do, but if the court orders it then [Joshua] will have to fight [Oleksandr] Usyk.
On Joshua facing Fury, Hearn said: “It is an undisputed fight, it should be the toughest fight out there, but I’ve always fancied him to beat Tyson Fury, always.
“But Fury is definitely at the peak of his powers and so is AJ which actually is why it is so great if we get it made because you saw with Floyd [Mayweather] and [Manny] Pacquiao, it was rubbish.”
Meanwhile, Fury has said: “Let’s hope this fight happens. I’m willing to take the fight, I don’t know if they are.
“I’ve been willing to take the fight for the last five years, it’s not happened so far but I’m very optimistic it will happen in 2021.”
On his message for Joshua, Fury replied: “Grow a pair and sign the contract, big boy.
“I’m not just saying it because he’s gonna be a rival of mine and he’s gonna be one of my opponents, but I’ve always said for a long time that I do believe Anthony Joshua’s tailor-made for somebody with my style.
“I think it’s gonna be one of the most explosive, quickest fights you’re gonna see. I’m aiming to take him out inside four rounds.”
Fury has the WBC belt, while Joshua has all the others and the winner takes them allGetty ImagesJoshua v Fury: What could scupper it?
One hurdle has been cleared in the shape of IBF mandatory challenger Pulev, who was most recently beaten by Joshua.
However, there are still further issues in the way.
Fury must resolve his situation with Deontay Wilder, who remains adamant that he is owed a trilogy fight from the ‘Gypsy King’.
The Brit’s team insist their contract has expired, but the ‘Bronze Bomber’ intends to take the issue to mediation/arbitration.
If this does happen, a retired judge will be assigned as mediator and will make a legally binding ruling on the matter.
Should they decide Fury does owe Wilder a third fight, then the AJ fight is scuppered for the time being.
But if the decision goes in Fury’s favour, then he will be free to face Joshua.
Usyk is going to be difficult to swerve for Joshua on the road to FuryMark Robinson/MatchroomThere is another potential hindrance in the way as well, though this one would not necessarily prevent the fight from happening.
In early 2021, Joshua will be obliged to fight WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk has said he has no intentions of stepping aside and will demand his shot at the title.
This could mean AJ is forced to vacate the WBO belt in order to face Fury, so their fight would no longer be for the ‘undisputed’ status.
There are other possible solutions to this issue within the complicated politics of boxing, but as things stand it remains a problem that needs to be solved.
Hearn says making the fight between Joshua and Fury is his priorityMatchroomJoshua v Fury: Where could it happen?
British fans would clearly love the bout to be held in the UK with Wembley, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and Tottenham’s new home the most likely candidates.
But money will be a determining factor in the superstar showdown, with Warren conceding to talkSPORT that the UK may miss out on hosting the event.
That could see the two clashes held in Las Vegas, New York, Saudi Arabia or even in Australia.
Vegas’ MGM Grand has held countless classics while the brand new Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Raiders, would also be more than suitable.
Expect fireworks when the two do finally share the ringMadison Square Garden in NYC is also a possibility and the scene of Joshua’s only career defeat to Ruiz Jr.
Joshua avenged that loss at the Diriyah Arena with the Gulf States making major waves in the boxing world in recent years.
Hearn has offered some insight to when the fight could take place, saying: “You break them up into probably May, June, and then November, December [for the rematch].
“I think it’s about where and of course they’re two British heavyweight world champions, and if one of those fights at least didn’t take place in the UK it would be a shame.
“I know ultimately people think it’s my decision but it’s really not. We will take all the offers that will come from all around the world and present them to both teams and both fighters.
“Ultimately, normally, the biggest offer wins.”
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