Promoter Eddie Hearn said the much-anticipated Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury showdown could still fall through if either fighter loses in a pre-arranged fight.
Both Joshua and Fury have signed deals to fight later this year. However, AJ is scheduled to fight his return in Saudi Arabia on July 25th, and Fury is hoping to hold his own tune-up contest in the summer.
We cannot afford to lose either battle. If that happens, “it’s over,” says Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
“In my opinion, if either fighter loses, there’s no fight,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“I’m going to feel bad for the ring walk on July 25th, especially with AJ’s return. I mean, that’s a concern. Will he be the same? Everything we see in camp and sparring would lead us to believe that. But there’s a lot to overcome, and that’s the importance of this fight in July.”
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George Groves admits it’s difficult to pick a clear winner between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, but believes Oleksandr Usyk’s influence over A.J. should not be underestimated
He added: “Now we have a deal to fight Tyson Fury. He has a deal to fight Anthony Joshua. The only thing that stands in the way is July 25th.”
Joshua and Fury never faced each other following Fury’s come-from-behind victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov. However, promoters want Fury to be involved in Joshua’s next fight against Christian Prenga.
“It would be a shock if he wasn’t in Riyadh on July 25, because that’s the moment,” Hearn said. “They’ve never faced each other before. The first time they face each other, every sports fan will be shocked, because this is something they will never forget.”
Hearn is open to Fury doing the same warm-up as Joshua in Riyadh.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s up to Turki[Alarcik]where he wants to land. It might be difficult for Fury to get under Joshua on that card, but we don’t know,” Hearn pointed out.
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“I don’t think he (Fury) will have an important fight, even if it’s not against someone like Mahmudov. I don’t even think they’ll fight at that level. They’ve got to do what they have to do. They just had a good 12 rounds, hopefully fewer rounds, but they’re gearing up and getting ready for a big fight.”
“Now that both fighters are signed, I think everyone is very focused on getting through the next few months and making sure we can deliver this huge event to the world.”
The fight between Joshua and Fury is scheduled for November, but the date and venue have not yet been set. It is hoped that the film will be set in the UK, but the location has not yet been confirmed.
“It’s up to Turki. He understands the magnitude and importance of this event for Britain. But Turki is paying the price,” Mr Hearn said.
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Highlights of Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov. Video provided by Netflix and The Ring. Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov now available to watch worldwide only on Netflix
“I know it’s a blockbuster event in terms of numbers. I’d love to have this fight in the UK and I think he would too. So if there’s a way we can do that, I think that’s what everyone wants.”
British stadiums such as Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur’s ground and Cardiff’s roofed Principality Stadium could all be suitable for this fight.
“We played Benn vs. Eubank (at Tottenham) in November. It’s a bit of a roulette game (with the weather), but the Millennium Stadium is a fantastic venue,” Hearn said. “They will also look at the numbers with the business of the show in mind.
“You know stadiums everywhere in the world will fill up instantly,” he continued. “It’s also iconic in our country, you get that.
“When these two face off in the ring, it will be the greatest sporting event this country has ever seen.”
