ANTHONY JOSHUA is set to fight Tyson Fury in May 2021 following positive talks between promoters Eddie Hearn and Bob Arum.
AJ defended his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles with a ninth-round KO against Kubrat Pulev to set up an undisputed bout vs WBC champ Fury.
Joshua’s promoter Hearn is now attempting to finalise a two-fight deal with the Gypsy King’s US rep Arum – with the rematch to take place in late 2021.
He told Sky Sports: “I had a good chat with [Bob Arum] him last night. It’s positive.
“I think we’re all in the same position. We want to move forward with the fight, quickly as well, which is good news for fans.
“Just trying to solve any remaining issues of the fight, of which there aren’t many, to be honest with you, and try and move forward collectively to let the governing bodies know that we plan to stage this fight probably in May, and we would like this to be for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.
“A few small issues to iron out, but I think we can start look at drawing up contracts and try to get this moving.
“Here on both sides, every member of each team wants to do this fight. We all acknowledge this is the biggest fight in boxing, this is the best fight for both guys.
“This is for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. Why are you in the sport, if you don’t want this fight?”
Hearn has previously revealed that Joshua may have to vacate the WBO belt in order to fight Fury with Oleksandr Usyk the mandatory challenger.
The matchroom promoter confirmed AJ is willing to fight Usyk, but that a bout against his fellow Brit is the No1 priority.
Hearn added: “We will be writing to the WBO to say you have an opportunity to be part of the biggest fight in boxing. One of the biggest fights in boxing history.
“Oleksandr Usyk is the WBO mandatory, we have to respect that, and the rules as well.
“We’ll be speaking to him to make sure he’s happy with a potential resolution.
“But for any reason Tyson Fury can’t contractually fight Anthony Joshua, AJ will fight Oleksandr Usyk next.
“For us, Usyk is a great fighter, it’s a great fight, there is only one name that we’re focusing on and that is Tyson Fury.”
