The management of Anthony Joshua has indicated that the heavyweight boxing champion could potentially square off against WBC Heavyweight Champion, Tyson Fury, at the beginning of 2021 or even towards the end of 2020 if Deontay Wilder withdraws from his fight with Fury. It is believed that the fans would not want to see any preparatory or ‘tune-up’ fights once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
Barry Hearn, the owner of MatchRoom Boxing, the agency that manages Joshua, expressed his belief that both Tyson and Joshua would be open to facing each other as soon as possible, given the substantial benefits to be reaped from the encounter.
According to Hearn, he is committed to ensuring that the much-anticipated all-British undisputed decider between Joshua and Fury takes place immediately after the pandemic ends.
WBA, IBF, and WBO champion Joshua has been directed to fight Kubrat Pulev next while Fury, the WBC, Ring Magazine, and Lineal Champion, is contractually obligated to a third fight with Deontay Wilder, who is reportedly dealing with a bicep injury. However, both Pulev and Wilder could be swayed to step aside and withdraw if appropriately compensated.
Barry Hearn, aged 71, father of the more renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, mentioned to Betfred: “Anthony Joshua is probably the easiest boxer I have ever worked with. He literally will fight anybody and is very keen on unifying the titles, with Tyson having the missing belt.
“Tyson is not afraid of anyone, and he knows that if he beats Joshua, he will become an even bigger global figure.
“The good news about this pile-up of global sporting events is that there will be competition for airtime when sports return, and people will not pay for tick-over contests.
“I think we have an excellent chance of seeing that fight. I would say the probability is 50-50 for this year, and if not this year, then it’s 95-5 for early 2021.”
He added: “I am always confident because it is a big fight and the demand for it is huge, but there are complications, as there always are.
“Does Wilder even fight Fury again? I am hearing that he has a slight injury and cannot train until May. Does that bring a delay?
“There is a chance, hypothetically, if the sport comes back in September and Wilder isn’t ready or doesn’t want the fight, then I think Josh would drop Pulev and go for Fury because that is the fight he wants more than anything else.”
Hearn said: “Fury surprised me against Wilder, but he always surprises me because I usually look at him and think Joshua beats him comfortably. But then Fury just seems to bring out the unexpected.
“I expected Wilder to connect, but I don’t think he is technically good at all. He can just punch, and that is always an equalizer.
“But Tyson boxed so well and exposed Wilder so much that he bashed him up and took away his desire.
“If all you have is a punch, and that is taken away from you, then you cannot win the fight.
“I thought Tyson boxed out of his skin, and good luck to the boy.”