(Reuters) – Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have signed a two-fight deal to unite IBF, WBO, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles, ESPN reported yesterday citing boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua Kubrat beat Pulev from Bulgaria in December to retain his IBF, WBO and WBA titles and establish the prospect of a watery clash with his fellow WBC belt holder Briton Fury.
“We would like to have a confirmed site agreement over the next month,” quoted Hearn, managing director of Matchroom Sport, Joshua’s promoter, adding that bids had come in from “eight or nine sites.
“The hard part is always getting everyone to put a pen on paper. But this was a big effort by all parties to get this over the line. You had competitive champions, competitive networks and competitive fighters. ”
Matchroom did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Fury, 32, has not fought for more than a year since his victory against American Deontay Wilder, but said last month he would fight twice this year.
“Top Rank has to give me two contests this year. I will fight twice on ESPN (Top Rank network partner), ”he said.
ESPN reported that the two fights will take place in 2021 with the first in June or July and then the rematch in November or December.
The contract would result in the fighters getting a 50-50 split in the first pool and a 60-40 split at the second chance where the winner would get the higher share.