[ad_1]
Talks to agree to a 2021 fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could take only “a couple of days” to complete, says promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua’s knockout of Kubrat Pulev on Saturday has created the prospect of a clash between the British rivals.
Negotiations begin Monday and it could be the first fight in history for all four heavyweight titles.
“There is no reason why we can’t complete the deal and then go ahead and resolve the other issues,” Hearn said.
WBC heavyweight world champion Fury has been inducted as a favorite to beat IBF, WBA and WBO belt holder Joshua if it is the next fight.
When asked how long it would be realistic to complete the deal, Hearn replied: “A couple of days.
“We have to write to the governing bodies and tell them that yes, we have an agreement and now we will talk to the different sites and confirm the dates shortly for what I assume will be the end of May.”
“I want the fight next. I can’t wait to knock him out,” Fury said in a video posted on social media Saturday night.
There are some potential problems, even if Fury is forced to fight Deontay Wilder for the third time, while the WBO could tell Joshua to face mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk.
But Matchroom’s promoter Hearn added: “The only problem I can think of is Wilder. If the court orders a rematch for Fury, and it doesn’t seem like they will, then it’s out of our hands.
“That’s the only way it fails is if something stops at their side, it’s not that I say they don’t want it, they do, but if the court orders it, then we will have to fight Usyk.”
If Usyk and the WBO don’t agree that that title is on the line for Joshua-Fury, Hearn said they could drop the belt to ensure one of the most important fights in British boxing history can take place.
Hearn said: “It’s an undeniable fight, it should be the toughest fight out there, but I’ve always liked that he beat Tyson Fury, always.
“But Fury is definitely at the peak of his powers and so is AJ, which is actually why he’s so cool if we do it because he wears Floyd [Mayweather] and [Manny] Pacquiao, it was silly. “
Joshua’s trainer, Rob McCracken, said his fighter “is getting better all the time.”
“I think they would definitely fight and probably fight at least twice next year, that’s what everyone wants to see happen,” he said.
“Big Josh has had 10 or 11 world title fights and he’s still developing and winning. He’s getting better all the time.”
