WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONS Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed to a two-fight deal, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
Speculation about a blockbuster bout between the pair has been steadily building since Fury dethroned Deontay Wilder to become WBC heavyweight champion, with Joshua regaining his WBA, IBF and WBO titles by outpointing Andy Ruiz in their rematch last December.
And while Hearn insists there are a number of obstacles to overcome, Joshua’s promoter revealed the fighters are “in agreement regarding the financial terms of the fight” and that their first meeting will take place next year.
“We’re making great progress,” Hearn told Sky Sports News. “There is still a lot to overcome. We are looking at venues and dates. It’s fair to say (Joshua and Fury) are in agreement regarding the financial terms of the fight.
“The main positive news is that Joshua and Fury have agreed to a two-fight deal, in essence. The most difficult part of any deal is the financial element. I believe we’re in a great place where both guys have agreed to what that should be.
“We have not signed contracts because there are still things to be worked out. We’re pushing towards a place where they can be drafted, for 2021. Both guys are in agreement. The structure of the deal has been put forward, and agreed to by both parties.”
Fury confirmed the news on Instagram, and thanked Daniel Kinahan for arranging the deal.
“Massive thanks to Daniel Kinnerhan [sic] for making this happen”, posted Fury.
Last month, it was announced that Kinahan had been appointed as a special advisor for KHK Sports, a sports company in Bahrain. The company described Kinahan as an “international boxing power broker”.
Daniel Kinahan has no criminal convictions, but is wanted for questioning in relation to a number of serious offences, including conspiracy to murder and drug crimes.
In 2018, a High Court ruling in Ireland stated he controlled the Kinahan crime gang, which was involved in the smuggling of drugs and weapons on a global scale.
Additional reporting by Gavin Cooney and Garreth MacNamee
