Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua ready to be agreed for December, Eddie Hearn says

The Matchroom promoter is pushing to strike a deal before the third Deontay Wilder fight and Joshua against Kubrat Pulev

Eddie Hearn insists he is ready to agree a deal for Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua for December before both world heavyweight champions fight next.

Fury, who owns the WBC belt, is obligated to face Deontay Wilder for a third time, likely on 18 July, under the terms of his initial rematch against the American.

While Joshua, who owns the IBF, WBO and WBA titles, takes on Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev on 20 June.

But Hearn is eager to arrange the blockbuster undisputed fight for December before both fights take place this summer.

Hearn said: “Myself and Bob Arum [Fury’s promoter] have been talking to a point where we’re ready to conclude a deal and try to move forward to get that deal done for December.

Anthony Joshua will fight Kubrat Pulev on 20 June (Reuters)

“There’s no reason why we can’t put that deal in place now for the winner of those two fights.

“We’re going to fight on 20 June, they’re going to fight, I believe, on 18 July. That leaves plenty of time for a December fight.

“We’ve just got to iron out some basic things like broadcasters and where the fight is going to take place. But I believe there’s a real desire from both sides to get that fight done now. December would be perfect.

“To have two British heavyweight champions is unbelievable but to have them fighting for the undisputed championship is something that will never, ever happen in our lifetime again.

“So we’ve got to make it happen, let’s get the deal made now and let’s let those guys concentrate on their big fights in the summer.”

With the fight in the winter likely ruling out an outdoor stadium in the UK, the leading contenders to host the fight are Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with its retractable roof, as well as Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia.

Tyson Fury could yet fight Anthony Joshua before the end of the year (Getty)

But Hearn is optimistic Fury and Joshua can fight on more than one occasion with a rematch feasible in the UK next summer.

“This fight is probably going to happen two, maybe three times. We’re going to get it in the UK, it’s just whether one, two or three,” Hearn added.

“December limits us in the UK, it just really leaves us with the [Principality Stadium], so we’re going to look at all options but first thing’s first, let’s get the deal papered and know exactly where we stand.”