Joshua/Fury: Eddie Hearn says it is a go

Copyright: Malte Muller-Michaelis uploaded to Flickr in 2015

Anthony Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) and Tyson Fury (29-0-1, 20 KOs) have a deal to fight in an undisputed world heavyweight title bout, according to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua still holds the IBF, WBO and WBA titles after his TKO of Kubrat Pulev (28-2, 14 KOs) in December. Joshua landed a nasty flurry of uppercuts in the 9th round resulting in a knockdown. Pulev staggered back to his feet and the fight resumed with a devastating blow from Joshua’s right hand that sent Pulev back to the canvas, forcing the ref to call the fight.

Fury claimed the WBC belt in his rematch with Deontay Wilder (42-1-1, 40 KOs) almost a year ago. Fury took advantage of a fatigued Wilder and dominated all night.

Hearn said that when the final, official agreement is reached he expects Joshua and Fury will fight twice. The first coming somewhere in the Middle East, with the rematch being held in Britain.

Joshua looks to erase any memory of his humiliating loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. Joshua has since avenged that loss, but the damage to his reputation was done. A WBC belt and possibly a chance at an angry Wilder would put Joshua back as a front runner.

Fury’s career is peaking and staying active and fighting regularly will help him stay away from the dark past that has hindered his career before. Before Hearn dropped the news about Joshua, it was expected that Fury might give Wilder a chance at redemption in 2021. That bout has yet to gain the necessary traction for it to happen.

Hearn did admit that the deal for Joshua/Fury is not official yet, but that it was just a matter of minor details. Either way, the offer from Joshua’s team has been extended and it is up to Fury’s team to accept.