TICKING ALL THE BOXES

BOXING

ANTHONY JOSHUA and Tyson Fury have agreed terms on a two-fight deal to unify all four belts of the heavyweight world championship.

The British rivals have been on a collision course since Fury stopped Deontay Wilder in February to become world champion for the second time.

Fury will have to defeat Wilder again later this year while Joshua will have to first face Kubrat Pulev, with both fights having been delayed due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Gypsy King may then have to fight mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte early in 2021 before he can take on Joshua.

Should the rivals lock horns, their first meeting is likely to be in Saudi Arabia before a potential rematch in Britain.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: “We’re making great progress and there is still a lot to overcome but are looking at venues and dates.

“We also have the Dillian Whyte mandatory which is due before this fight. It’s fair to say Joshua and Fury are in

BY MARTIN DOMIN agreement regarding the financial terms of the fight.

“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’re in a good place. It’s fair to say that, in principle, both guys have agreed to that fight.

“But there is a lot to overcome in the meantime. We’re moving in the right direction. I’m confident that both guys have given their blessing for the fight to go ahead.”

Fury lifted the WBC belt four months ago when he stopped Wilder in the seventh round of their rematch.

Their third meeting is likely to take place in November or December.

Joshua’s meeting with Pulev was due to take place next weekend at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but has also been postponed due to the coronavirus crisis.