Belfast Telegraph

Irwin raring to go after organisers reveal reworked BSB schedule

- BY ROY HARRIS

Whyte, who the WBC have said must fight for their title before the end of February next year.

Hearn added: “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.

“We’ve been talking to (Fury’s management team) MTK, giving them the assurances from Joshua’s side that all the details on the structure of the deal is approved from our side. And it is from Fury’s side, as well.

“We have the Dillian Whyte mandatory which is due before this fight.

“(But) both guys are in agreement. The structure of the deal has been put forward, and agreed to by both parties. There is a model in place that both parties are happy with.

“It’s the biggest fight ever in

British boxing. It doesn’t get bigger, and there will never be a bigger fight in our generation.”

Frank Warren, one of Fury’s promoters, was cautiously optimistic about how negotiatio­ns are progressin­g.

He said in a statement: “Both sides do accept that any prospectiv­e fight will demand a 50/50 split and both sides accept there will be a rematch.

“Things are going in the right direction and we couldn’t be more happy that a potential mega fight is in reach.”

TOP Carrick rider Glenn Irwin welcomed the light at the end of the tunnel for motorcycle racing yesterday after the Bennetts British Superbike Championsh­ip organiser MSVR announced an updated calendar for the 2020 series with six triple-header events, all of which will be broadcast live on Eurosport.

After extensive consultati­on with teams, broadcaste­rs, partners and circuits, organisers are optimistic of a scheduled start at Donington Park National Circuit on August 7-9.

It will then run every other weekend through to the traditiona­l season finale at Brands Hatch GP circuit on October 1618, visiting Snetterton, Silverston­e National, Oulton Park and the Donington Park GP Circuit along the way.

There will be no Showdown format with every race a title fight to determine the 2020 British Superbike champion, while all other support classes will also be catered for.

Series director Stuart Higgs said: “This has been an incredibly challengin­g period but the determinat­ion, enthusiasm, commitment and passion from everyone involved in the Championsh­ip has been outstandin­g.

“We are disappoint­ed that some of the traditiona­l circuits have had to be omitted, the result of very detailed assessment of the operationa­l, logistical and economic consequenc­es pertinent to all circuits arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are optimistic we will be able to welcome fans to BSB enjoying these large outdoor circuit venues with plenty of room to social distance.

“We are working with the circuits to agree protocols that meet all relevant guidance and will continue to do so as the guidance evolves over the coming weeks. The focus in the coming weeks is on preparing the various protocols and operationa­l detail to ensure the safety of everyone in the BSB community.”

Carrickfer­gus brothers Glenn, Graeme and Andrew Irwin are chomping at the bit to get back into action with a possible official test taking place at Donington prior to the scheduled running of round one.

Glenn (above) commented: “This is great news, just what we have all been waiting for. I cannot wait to get out on my new Honda Fireblade and get back into competitiv­e action after this necessary prolonged time on the sidelines.”

It was also announced Eurosport will renew their long-standing partnershi­p with BSB for another seven years from 2021.

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Front foot: Tyson Fury goes on the attack en route to his victory against Deontay Wilder
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