Anthony Joshua has signed a deal for a blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury, but could face his British rival in November after a preliminary fight in July.
Fury has already signed for the highly anticipated all-British mega-fight and took on Joshua for a new challenge following his points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Joshua did not take part in the fight with Fury amid speculation that the fight could take place in July following his involvement in a serious car accident in Nigeria in December that resulted in the tragic deaths of friends Sheena Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports: “I don’t know if Fury has signed, but that’s his job. If he does, that’s great.”
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Fury grabbed the microphone and loudly challenged Joshua to fight him next, but his rival didn’t give him a clear answer.
“We received the contract last week and are working on it.
“Obviously, there’s a lot going on in AJ’s life and we want to make sure he’s ready to get back in the ring.
“He is now cleared physically to return to full training, which is great news.
“We expect to see him back in the ring in July. The original plan was to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury in August.
“Given what has happened so far, it has been postponed. There are currently two dates presented to us: July and November, and we will move forward.”
There is speculation that Joshua’s July fight could be against Deontay Wilder.
Wilder has welcomed a fight with the two-time world champion following his win over Derek Chisora, and Hearn said AJ is exploring the possibility of facing Wilder and then Fury “back-to-back”.
“I think it’s very likely (that he will play a tune-up). Given what happened, he should have done it anyway,” he added.
“Fury just had a very important 12-round tune-up to get sharp for his next fight and we expect the same.
“It will be a separate contract with Wilder. We have made it clear that we are willing to fight Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury back-to-back.
“I’m not taking it lightly that Wilder is a preliminary fight, but AJ is very comfortable going into his next fight.
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Highlights of Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov. Video provided by Netflix and The Ring. Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov is available worldwide only on Netflix
“It’s not the basis of the contract we’ve been offered, but we would be very interested if offered and we would like to consider that route.
“Some may perceive that to be the riskier option, especially when there is so much movement to piggyback on Fury against Joshua, Netflix and others.
“I think they’re probably looking for an easier option for Joshua, like they did with Fury, but out of respect they’ll just go ahead and take the fight.
“100 percent. (Preliminary in July, Fury in November) That’s the plan.”
