TYSON FURY’S undisputed heavyweight world title clash against Anthony Joshua will be officially announced NEXT WEEK, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
Both parties are now reviewing the finer details of the contract for the fight to take place in Saudi Arabia.
Hearn believes the fight is close to being ‘completely finalised’ after months of wrangling and doubt.
The long-awaited Battle of Britain is rumoured to be taking place on either July 24 or August 7.
Hearn said on Saturday evening: “This fight is on, this fight is happening. I believe you’ll get an announcement next week.”
Fury’s co-promoter Frank Warren has revealed their team are currently going through the lucrative contract with a fine-tooth comb.
He told Seconds Out: “We’ve had something come through from the other side. A contract which we’re all reviewing, a proposal.
“A proposed contract which we’re reviewing. And obviously we’ll look at it and hopefully we can agree terms. That’s what we all want.
“We all want this fight, everyone wants this fight. It’s not about being negative, you can only respond to an offer when you’ve got an offer and try and get it over the line.
“We’re working, everybody is working hard to get this on. And fingers crossed we will get it over the line.”
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Warren’s comments come just days after his fellow promoter Bob Arum claimed the Saudi showdown was ‘dead in the water’.
The 89-year-old told The Telegraph: “It will take months for the Saudis to do their due diligence on such a huge deal.
“It is not just a site fee, there are ancillary demands from the Saudis stretching into the broadcast deals and other things, it could take months for it all to play out.
“It could even take until 2022 the way it looks right now. The fight in July or August is dead in the water as far as we are concerned.
“The two fighters need to go and have other fights this summer while the negotiations for that fight in the Middle East conclude.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn was quick to dismiss Arum’s claim, telling the BBC: “In the coming hours or days they’ll get a copy of the contract that’s ready to go and they’ll sign.
“Bob’s ego is out of control. That sort of generation it’s all about control and power for them.
“Let’s all do our job. I am not looking to upset Arum, I’m just saying ‘you will get the latest version of long-form and we will get it done’.
“What is Fury going to do? Fight Deontay Wilder for a fifth of the money?
“The back and forth, I suppose it just comes with the territory of the mega fight.
“To anyone listening, I really apologise for the backwards and forwards as you’re probably getting bored of it.
“Try and keep the faith and Bob, try to keep the faith.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
