British world heavyweight champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed to a two-fight deal, says promoter Eddie Hearn.
Talks over a historic bout for the undisputed title began in early May.
Joshua, 30, holds the WBA, IBF and WBO belts while 31-year-old Fury is the WBC champion.
“It’s fair to say [Joshua and Fury] are in agreement regarding the financial terms,” Hearn, who is Joshua’s promoter, told Sky Sports News.
“We’re in a good place. It’s fair to say that, in principle, both guys have agreed to that fight. Two fights.”
Fury expressed his delight at the news in a social media post. The Manchester-born boxer said he would fight Joshua in 2021, but would first have to overcome the “hurdle in the road” Deontay Wilder, in a third meeting. Fury is contracted to fight the American, from whom he won the WBC title in February.
Joshua, who reclaimed his world titles in December, has to face his mandatory challenger, Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev, when the sport fully resumes after the coronavirus shutdown.
Hearn added: “There is still a lot to overcome. We are looking at venues and dates.
“We’ve been talking to [Fury’s management team] MTK, giving them the assurances from Joshua’s side that all the details on the structure of the deal is approved from our side. And it is from Fury’s side, as well.”
‘Biggest sporting event in UK since England won World Cup’
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, said: “The only way it could not happen is if one of the guys gets beat.”
He added: “Every one wants it to happen. For me this will be the biggest sporting event in this country with these fighters – four belts on the line, two Brits fighting for the world title, both champions. This is just mega. I think it’ll be the biggest sporting event in this country since England won the World Cup in ’66.
“[Fury’s] really happy… it’s something he wants, something he’s wanted for a long, long time.
“I think it’s a great fight for both of them and for fans in this country and round the world.
“It’s not going to get any more competitive than this.”
