Negotiations for a blockbuster clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are progressing, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who remains “pretty sure” the two British heavyweights will finally meet this year. Fury called out Joshua after his points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov on Saturday, but Joshua declined a ring face-off, leading to speculation about the fight's status.
Hearn dismissed Netflix’s premature announcement that the fight had been agreed, stating that contracts were received last week and discussions are ongoing. “My instructions from AJ are to make the fight,” Hearn said, noting that minor issues such as the date, venue, and a potential warm-up opponent for Joshua in July need to be resolved. He added that Joshua may have a tune-up fight similar to Fury’s bout with Makhmudov before facing Fury in November.
Former rival Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Joshua twice, expressed confidence in Joshua’s ability to beat Fury. “AJ wins against Fury. AJ is the future undisputed heavyweight champion,” Usyk said, citing Joshua’s training intensity. Usyk is set to defend his WBC title against Rico Verhoeven on May 23.
Joshua’s preparation was disrupted by a car crash in Nigeria in December that killed two close friends. He is expected to be cleared by medics to resume full training soon, having worked on his conditioning in Ukraine with Usyk.
