Eddie Hearn has confirmed that negotiations for a blockbuster showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are at an 'advanced stage', bringing the long-awaited clash closer to reality. Joshua is poised for a sensational return to the ring in July, following a devastating knockout victory over Jake Paul in December and a subsequent tragic car crash that delayed his plans.
Joshua's Comeback and Fury's Callout
Joshua has been training with former rival Oleksandr Usyk in recent months and made his first UK public appearance since the crash at Derek Chisora's fight with Deontay Wilder. Days later, he was ringside for Fury's dominant win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham. Fury immediately called for a fight with Joshua, but the latter remained non-committal.
However, Hearn provided a positive update, stating that Joshua is targeting a July return before facing Fury twice. 'AJ's going to fight in July,' the Matchroom chief told iFL TV. 'It's going to be someone where I don't think you guys are going to look at it and go "wow". We're looking at a few guys, all dangerous. If AJ's not physically or mentally ready, it will be a very dangerous fight.'
Signed Contract for Fury Fight
Hearn revealed that a fight with Fury is already signed, contingent on Joshua's July bout. 'We only have a fight like that if we have signed to fight Tyson Fury. If we take a fight like this, the good news is we have signed to fight Tyson Fury. All you've got to do is bite your fingernails in July for 36 minutes or less and you've got the fight of all time.'
Potential Venue and Broadcast Details
While there were whispers of the fight taking place at Dublin's Croke Park, Hearn insists the location will be decided by Turki Alalshikh. 'We had a wonderful meeting with Croke Park. To be honest, the fight will land wherever His Excellency wants the fight to land. He wants to make history. I am hopeful the fight takes place in the UK.'
The first fight is expected to air on DAZN, with a potential rematch on Netflix. Hearn added, 'The November fight, or whatever it will be, will be promoted by Sela. The first fight will land on DAZN, and the second fight could possibly land on Netflix.'
