Eddie Hearn, promoter for WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, has confirmed that there are two target dates, in the month of August, for the full division unification with WBC champion Tyson Fury.
The fight is going to land in Saudi Arabia, but there has still been no official announcement from either side of the fight coming off.
“August 7, August 14,” Hearn said on Sky Sports when asked about the dates for Joshua-Fury. “It’s a very bad secret that the fight is happening in Saudi Arabia. I don’t mind giving that information, [Fury’s co-promoter] Bob Arum’s already done it.”
Hearn is negotiating with the same group that financially backed Joshua’s rematch with Andy Ruiz, which took place in Saudi Arabia in December 2019.
“It’s the same people we did the deal with for Andy Ruiz, that event was spectacular. As partners, they were fantastic as well, so we’re very comfortable. We’re very comfortable. Anthony’s comfortable, he knows those people. They delivered on every one of their promises last time, we’re ready to go.”
Between the two dates, Hearn prefers August 14th to avoid a scenario where their event is clashing with the Olympic games.
“In terms of a global spectacle, it would make sense to go on the 14th,” Hearn added. “That’s one of the other things to tick off, hopefully, in the next few days.”
The two sides are working to finalize the site fee agreement, with Fury and his handlers holding off on any signatures until they see documentation with bank verified proof of funds.
For his part, Joshua vented his frustrations with the growing delay on social media Monday night, advising Fury that he was “tired” of all the “talk” and wanted more “action.” Fury responded, by telling Joshua – “Come get some then you big ugly Dosser?”