Joshua v Fury clash in Middle East ‘very close’
The much-anticipated unification heavyweight world title bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is “very close” to being finalised, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, with the Middle East thought to be favourite to host.
Matchroom chief Hearn confirmed at the weekend that he was to present “multiple” options to both fighters yesterday, as they then each deliberated last night on a venue and a date for one of the most high-profile fights in history.
The clash, which puts on the line Joshua’s WBA, IBF and WBO belts against Fury’s WBC title, looks set for July, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar firmly in the running to stage the event.
Both Joshua and Fury took to social media this weekend to raise hope that the all-British encounter would go ahead this summer. Fury, who remains unbeaten in 31 professional fights, referenced on Twitter interest from Saudi, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Russia, the US and England.
Meanwhile, Joshua, who has one defeat in his 25 pro bouts, said his management and Hearn were “working hard to make the fight happen” and that he was “hoping to share some positive news soon”.
Then, speaking to Sky Sports late on Saturday night, Hearn said: “Tomorrow both guys will be presented with the options for a fight in the summer. Joshua doesn’t talk much about fights – but he talks when it’s close. You can feel the excitement building.
“We are in a great place with several offers on the table. I’m quietly confident.
“It was nice to see Fury post with enthusiasm because he feels that we are close.
“The teams will get together. I will try to see [Top Rank Boxing head] Bob Arum [who co-promotes Fury] on Tuesday. We’re nearly there. We have worked really hard and we don’t want to give in.
“We’re in a good place, nice and close. I can’t do any more than I’m doing. People know that we’re on the verge.
“Both guys are desperate to get moving. Joshua wants a date for the start of his camp. This is the sporting event of 2021. One lucky site will get good news next week and the whole world will stop to watch this fight.”
Although the Middle East appears the frontrunner, a “home” event in London remains on the table. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said this weekend that he would support any attempt to stage the fight at Wembley Stadium, although Hearn cited Covid-19 restrictions as the reason it most probably will go elsewhere.
“[Wembley] will be presented,” Hearn said. “Financially, it’s not at the races. The question is: can we get 100,000 fans on July 24, the potential date in London?
“The answer is ‘we hope so’. It is difficult to make a decision on that basis.
“This is why it’s taking longer than expected. It’s the logistics, testing policies, crowds. But now is the time to make this fight. Now. The summer. We may not get this opportunity again. Both guys accept that and are ready for the challenge.”
Hearn has a relationship with Saudi following the “Clash on the Dunes” in December 2019, which was headlined by Joshua’s victory in his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.
That took place at a newly constructed 15,000-seater Diriyah Arena, with Joshua winning on points to avenge his shock TKO defeat to the American-Mexican at Madison Square Garden six months before.
Fury has also “fought” in the kingdom: in October 2019, he joined the WWE for a one-off fight with star Braun Strowman. That event was held in Riyadh.
Hearn said last week that Saudi was “absolutely keen” on hosting Joshua-Fury and that his previous experience with the organisers would be a factor when it came to deciding upon a venue.
Joshua and Fury have agreed in principle to a two-fight contract, with the first meet slated for the summer and the second to fall before the end of the year.
Hearn has a relationship with Saudi following the ‘Clash on the Dunes’ in December 2019 between Joshua and Ruiz Jr