JAKARTA Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has reopened the possibility of fighting Tyson Fury. He is ready to fight his compatriots next summer.
Fury is currently negotiating against Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. The two of them are close to reaching an agreement for the undisputed world heavyweight title race in the division.
Wembley and the Middle East are two locations that have become favorites for the historic battle. However, the negotiation process has yet to come to light so that the possibility of materialization begins to shrink.
Renowned boxing promoter and Matchroom Sport CEO Eddie Hearn said Joshua was ready to take advantage of the opportunity if Fury and Usyk's fight was canceled in the near future.
"I don't know what will happen with [Oleksandr] Usyk. He will probably fight Fury in the next duel," Hearn said as quoted by The Sun, Thursday, February 15, 2023.
Fury himself has determined that the duel against Usyk must take place in London on April 29. It's just that the heavyweight title unification battle is still waiting for confirmation from Usyk.
If Usyk refuses in the end, Fury will remain in the ring in April this year. One of the opponents he is likely to face is Deontay Wilder before Joshua this summer.
"We will be open to that fight. If Usyk doesn't fight Fury, Anthony Joshua will fight the next Fury in the summer if he manages to get past [Jermaine] Franklin," Hearn said.
Joshua, 33, was previously challenged by Fury to get in the ring this year. The challenge was given by Fury after Joshua suffered the third defeat in his career against Usyk in August last year.
However, the fight was ultimately not realized because Joshua did not want to sign an agreement according to the deadline given by Fury.
Hearn said he did not rule out Anthony Joshua's possibility of fighting tough rival Fury. He believes the fight is bigger than the undisputed match.
"I don't know if Fury-Usyk will happen or not. I can only give my opinion. But I tell you, if that fight doesn't happen, we will arrange Fury's fight," he said.
Joshua will face Franklin on April 1. The boxer from the United States just lost to Dillian Whyte last November.
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