What needs to happen for Anthony Joshua to face Tyson Fury in 2021?
There are some hurdles to be cleared before the tickets for Joshua-Fury can be printed.
Plans for a ‘Battle of Britain’ are under way after Anthony Joshua beat Kubrat Pulev on Saturday to stay on course for a potentially titanic double-header with Tyson Fury in 2021.
The two world heavyweight champions from the UK both want to fight next year, but there are issues to be resolved.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at what needs to happen for Joshua and Fury to face off and firmly decide who is the best in boxing’s top division.
Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s
What’s on the box?
A TV deal will have to be struck and there are some complications, with Sky having an exclusive deal with Joshua, while Fury has similar terms with ESPN. Both fighters also have matching deals with DAZN and BT respectively. All four could agree to share the rights and it is highly unlikely any would do anything to jeopardise one of the biggest fights in boxing history.
Does Wembley have to wait?
The men in the background
Two other heavyweights could have a say in whether Joshua-Fury is able to go ahead. The WBO are keen to ensure Joshua fights mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk, although Hearn has already confirmed they would be willing to vacate that belt if it meant the clash with Fury is made. An alternative would also be to talk to the Ukrainian and set him up to face either of the Brits in 2022. A bigger problem is Deontay Wilder, who exercised the right to face Fury for a third time only for the contract to expire with the fight not arranged – partly due to the coronavirus pandemic. If Wilder goes to court, they could declare Fury has to go up against the American for a third time and any hopes of a bout with Joshua in the summer would be over.
