Hearn Confident AJ v Fury will Take Place this Year

Hearn Confident AJ v Fury will Take Place this Year

Currently, Fury, the heavyweight champion, is committed to a duo of matches with his formidable opponent, Oleksandr Usyk, setting the stage for an ultimate showdown for the undisputed world titles on May 18 in Saudi Arabia.

The highly anticipated match-up between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, a subject of speculation for nearly ten years, might finally materialize this year.

Currently, Fury, the heavyweight champion, is committed to a duo of matches with his formidable opponent, Oleksandr Usyk, setting the stage for an ultimate showdown for the undisputed world titles on May 18 in Saudi Arabia. With a packed undercard, this is an event boxing fans across the world will be eager to watch unfold. The contract includes a reciprocal rematch clause, ensuring a second bout within the year, irrespective of the initial outcome.

Joshua, a two-time former world champion, has been guaranteed a chance to contend against either Fury or Usyk following his recent knockout victory over Francis Ngannou. Eddie Hearn, the head of Matchroom Boxing and Joshua's promoter, is optimistic about Joshua facing Fury post the May event, especially if Fury emerges victorious against Usyk, sidelining the possibility of a rematch with Usyk. During a discussion with Piers Morgan, Hearn indicated his belief that Fury vs. Joshua would precede Luke Littler's potential darts championship win, suggesting the boxing match is slated for this year.

Conversely, Frank Warren, Fury's promoter, envisions the potential Fury vs. Joshua fight occurring next year. Warren anticipates that given Fury's expected performance and Joshua's continued success, a major bout could be arranged by next March, reminiscent of the legendary boxing era of the late 60s and 70s.

While both of Joshua's recent fights were in Saudi Arabia, and Fury is set to return there for his upcoming match, Warren expressed a preference for the Fury vs. Joshua fight to be held in the UK. However, he conceded that Saudi Arabia is a more likely venue due to financial incentives, drawing parallels with historical bouts featuring iconic figures like Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

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