The Guardian (Nigeria)

Joshua ready to accept pay cut to fight Fury in UK

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ANTHONY Joshua has stated he is willing to take a pay cut in order to fight Tyson Fury in the United Kingdom ( UK), reports givemespor­t. com.

The highly- anticipate­d bout between the two heavyweigh­t champions is on the horizon, with both boxers keen to organise the fight. The two British heavyweigh­ts have already agreed financial terms for two fights in 2021.

There will be a high amount of interest from all over the world, with countries such as Saudi Arabia keen to host one of the biggest boxing events of next year, if confirmed.

First, however, AJ will defend his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweigh­t titles in a bout with Bulgarian veteran Kubrat Pulev.

The fight will take place at Wembley Arena in London on December 12, with only 1,000 fans allowed to attend the event.

It is reported that AJ is set to lose around £ 8 million from the title defence not having a sold- out arena.

To put that into perspectiv­e, Joshua’s last fight – a revenge against Andy Ruiz Jr. that took place in Saudi Arabia – TALKSPORT reported that AJ pocketed between £ 40 million and £ 60 million.

In an interview, 31- yearold Joshua has said he is happy to take a pay cut for a bout with the Gypsy King, as he stated, as per The Sun: “Yeah, why not? “Now I’m fighting Kubrat Pulev for a massive pay cut.”

Joshua continued, highlighti­ng that the whole sport is looking at reduced income, and said: “We have to keep the sport alive. Matchroom are taking pay cuts this year.

“We are all doing our part at the minute, it’s all experience. We are doing it now so I wouldn’t mind doing it again.”

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