Anthony Joshua receives contract for Tyson Fury fight
Anthony Joshua has been sent the contract for a highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury, though the two-time heavyweight champion may step into the ring for a preparatory bout before meeting his domestic rival, reports BritPanorama.
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that Joshua’s team received the paperwork last week and are currently reviewing the terms. The plan now centres on Joshua competing in July before facing Fury in November, a timeline that has shifted from earlier proposals.
Hearn stated: “We received the contract last week, we are going through that.” The plan indicates a significant deviation from initial schedules, which had Joshua returning to action in March before an August bout with Fury. This adjustment has been necessitated by unfortunate personal circumstances.
Joshua’s return to boxing comes after a devastating car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. The incident has understandably affected the fighter’s preparation and timeline for his comeback. “Obviously there has been a lot happening in AJ’s life and we want to make sure that he is ready to return to the ring,” Hearn added.
The promoter noted that Joshua is approaching medical clearance to resume intensive training. “He is about to get the all clear in terms of the physical side to return to full training and that is great news,” Hearn explained.
Looking ahead, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has emerged as a leading candidate for Joshua’s July outing following his recent victory over Derek Chisora. Hearn confirmed discussions are underway, stating, “We have made it clear we are willing to fight Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury back-to-back.”
However, the promoter acknowledged that some observers might view facing Wilder as a riskier proposition than a more straightforward tune-up. “I am not being disrespectful that Wilder is a warm-up fight but AJ is very comfortable to go into that fight next,” he said. Nevertheless, Hearn suggested that stakeholders, including Netflix, may prefer a less challenging opponent for Joshua ahead of the lucrative Fury encounter.
The original schedule had anticipated Joshua’s actions in March before an August bout with Fury, but changes were required due to the tragic events of December. “Given everything that has happened, that has been delayed,” Hearn confirmed. Meanwhile, Fury has already sharpened his skills with a tune-up contest, recently securing a points decision against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Hearn believes Joshua deserves the same opportunity to find his rhythm before the blockbuster British clash, which remains a focus of both fighters’ promotional teams. Wembley Stadium is a potential venue, though Dublin’s Croke Park appears unlikely given the challenges posed by November’s outdoor conditions.
The fight promises to be a defining moment in British boxing, encapsulating not just skill and rivalry but the intricate web of personal struggles and professional expectations that define these athletes.
