“It’s an advanced situation now. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, very, very advanced,” Hearn told iFL TV. “We’re going back and forth on the contract. I think we’re getting very close now.”
He said Joshua made his wishes clear after attending Fury’s recent victory.
“AJ told me, make the fight, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Hearn said.
Hearn also explained that the proposed arrangement would not involve one deal for a return match and then new talks for Fury afterwards.
“It won’t be one fight and then draw the other. We’re all in for both, and that’s what we plan to do,” he said.
This is an important detail as it suggests that both bouts are being mapped together, reducing the usual risk of new negotiations stalling progress after Joshua’s return.
Asked if an announcement could come within days, Hearn said it was possible, while final contracts of this size can move quickly once key points are settled.
Joshua is not expected to take a July rematch until now. Hearn indicated the opponent would be capable enough to provide a real test, but Joshua would still be favored to beat if he returns from injuries and changes in camp.
Clearing that hurdle would move Fury vs Joshua from an annual rumor to an actual event. Fans have heard promises before, but this is one of the clearest public updates either side has given.
