Anthony Joshua teases announcement as Tyson Fury fight edges closer

The two Brits are set to finally clash in 2021 to attempt to unify the heavyweight division

Ben Burrows
Tuesday 23 February 2021 07:48 EST
Comments
World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua
World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (AFP via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Anthony Joshua has hinted that an agreement for a blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury could be on the horizon.

The two Brits are set to finally clash in 2021 to attempt to unify the heavyweight division.

There have been lengthy negotiations between the two parties for some time but the WBA, WBO and IBF champion has suggested things could be over the line soon.

"Another positive meeting with @258mgt," he tweeted. “They've informed me things are shaping up nicely. They will be sharing the update with Eddie and you'll be hearing from me soon."

Joshua last fought in December, defeating Kubrat Pulev at Wembley, while Fury hasn't been in the ring since knocking out Deontay Wilder more than a year ago.

A number of elements still need to be ironed out before contracts can be signed with the venut for the fight itself still to be decided.

Eddie Hearn recently revealed how the global coronavirus pandemic has made securing an appropriate country to host the clash even more complicated.

“A lot of the dates now do depend on the Covid situation because originally we wanted it to happen in May but now we feel like June is a safer option. Different countries are at different stages. Some countries are in lockdown, some are open.

“Saudi Arabia are in lockdown but they are staging major events behind closed doors. I believe they plan to open up in March but you just don't know what's going to happen.

“Las Vegas will be opening back up in May and it would be a huge opportunity for them to get the biggest fight in boxing. Singapore, Qatar, Abu-Dhabi, Dubai. All these countries want to stage this fight.

“I wouldn't mind a trip to Vegas in June, I think it would be a great home for the fight, but we can't ignore the seismic offers from other areas of the world.

“All I can say is we're finalising the minor details and nothing major that we see is going to stop this fight from happening.

“There's no danger that this isn't the next fight. I don't know what we'd do if we don't fight Tyson Fury. Everyone is so focused to get this over the line.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in