AJ’s blockbuster battle with Fury edges closer

EDDIE HEARN revealed the heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is ‘as done as it can be’ before the promoter added the fight is ‘100 per cent happening’.

A blockbuster bout between the two Britons who hold all four major world titles in boxing’s blue-riband division – Joshua is the WBA, IBF and WBO champion while Fury has the WBC crown – is inching closer to being confirmed.

Both parties seem aligned on a contest in late July or possibly early August at an indoor arena in front of 20,000 fans, with Saudi Arabia the frontrunner to stage the event.

Asked if there were any further updates, Hearn said: ‘Only some more exchanged final drafts, more calls. It’s as done as it can be. It’s non-stop at the moment but it’s 100 per cent happening.’

Both Joshua and Fury have claimed in recent days the fight will ‘100 per cent’ happen this year.

Hearn disclosed on Monday that July 24 is a ‘rough date’ although the first two weekends in August are possible alternatives.

That would leave Joshua’s long-time trainer Rob McCracken in a tricky situation – as GB Boxing performance director, he is scheduled to be in Tokyo between July 23 and August 8 for the rearranged Olympics.

Hearn said earlier this week: ‘Rob takes his position very seriously. He loves the job and the kids, so it’s not ideal but we can’t move it.

‘Someone is spending a lot of money so we have to go whenever they say. I know AJ and Rob have been talking accordingly so I am sure they will work it out.’