ANTHONY JOSHUA and Tyson Fury can squeeze in a historic showdown before the end of the year as long as they win their respective next fights.
The two Brits have the chance to challenge for all four of the heavyweight belts for the first time ever after the Gypsy King, 31, dominated Deontay Wilder, 34, last weekend to claim the WBC title.
Promoter Frank Warren, left, insisted he will try to make a unification against Anthony JoshuaCredit: AP:Associated Press
Promoters of both WBA, IBF and WBO champion AJ and unbeaten Fury have already discussed jumping straight into an undisputed title decider between the nations two biggest stars.
But Joshua, 30, is already mandated by the IBF to face Kubrat Pulev, 38, while Wilder is adamant he will trigger his right for a third fight with Fury after being twice dropped and beaten in round seven of their Las Vegas rematch.
Fury’s UK promoter Frank Warren told The Telegraph the Battle of Britain can take place this year but due to prior agreements with Pulev and Wilder it’s likely to happen afterwards, should the pair come out victorious.
Warren said: “We’ve got a contractual position on this. There is a rematch clause [for Fury and Wilder].
“Joshua does have to fight Pulev, he does have to fight Usyk – so all those obstacles would have to be overcome if we wanted to go straight to the Fury-Joshua fight. That’s tough.
“All I can say at our end is that if we can do it we’ll do it, for obvious reasons. I think Tyson will do a job on him.”
The interim fights are far from ideal and Wilder could even have his trilogy bout with Fury, set for June, pushed back to October following his one-sided beating.
Dillian Whyte, 31, is also mandatory for the WBC title and must receive his shot by February 2021 meaning the race for Joshua to fight Fury is already on with November the targeted date.
But with reports of mega-money bids from Saudi Arabia to host the event, Warren insisted Mancunian traveller Fury has no problems where he potentially shares the ring with AJ.
The promoter explained: “I don’t think he cares. He’ll go where it’s at. He’s never ducked anybody, has he?
“He goes on the road. He’s a fighting man. That’s what I like about him.
“You go back to Ali fighting Foreman in Zaire when a lot of money was put up, you got back to the Thrilla in Manila, where money was put up. That happens in boxing.”
Anthony Joshua could have to fight Kubrat Pulev before facing FuryCredit: PA:Press Association
Inside Tyson Fury’s relaxed dressing room before Wilder win as he kisses Paris, dances and asks trainer to wipe his bum
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
