A fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury must take place this year, believes Eddie Hearn.
The two face Kubrat Pulev and Deontay Wilder respectively in June and July, which sets up a possible undisputed battle at the end of 2020.
Joshua watched Fury dismantle Wilder and it was hoped that a unification fight could be made afterwards, but the defeated American triggered the revenge clause he had in his contract
“The great thing is that [Fury vs Wilder 3] is in July and we are boxing in June, “said Hearn, who promotes Joshua, at Sky Sports.
“Now our intention, and the conversations are ongoing, is to finalize the Fury vs Joshua fight for December of this year.
“There is no reason not to contract it now, as long as the two guys win the summer.”
Joshua will defend his IBF, WBA and WBO heavy belts at White Hart Lane on June 20, while Fury will again fight Wilder with the WBC title at stake, having taken it in February.
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Fury defeated Wilder to take WBC title, but will face him for the third time in July
This trilogy fight is scheduled for Las Vegas because Wilder triggered the revenge clause in his contract, which means that a so-called “Battle of Britain” is pending.
“Wilder’s pride and ego meant he was very unlikely [Joshua vs Fury would be made next]. He’s not withdrawing, he wants revenge with Fury, ”added Hearn.
“The undisputed fight must take place in 2020.”
The boss of Matchroom also said that a two-fight agreement between Joshua and Fury was also being drawn up, while he also said he would try to do it in the UK.
Frank Warren, co-promoter of Fury, echoed the words of his rival by insisting that as long as the boxers continue to win, the highly anticipated super fight will take place before the end of the year.
However, fans have noticed that Warren was seated next to Prince Khalid of Saudi Arabia during the Battle of Wilder, which suggested that this could take place in the Kingdom given that he was heavily involved in taking Andy Ruiz vs Joshua.
“He’s a big boxing fan, he’s very knowledgeable about the sport and he’s been impressed with Tyson,” Warren told talkSPORT.
“I know he’s also interested in Anthony Joshua, maybe they’ll come and do something when the pair finally meet.”
He also stressed how much he wanted to see the fight happen, adding that Joshua needed Fury and that there would be a 50/50 split.
“It’s Fury vs Joshua, not Joshua vs Fury. Joshua has the Tyson belts he released. Tyson is the main man, but the egos have to go out the window.”
