Hearn says Joshua-Fury essentially a done deal

The Matchroom promoter says the only thing left to sort out is the venue and broadcasting rights.

According to Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, nearly all negotiation points to stage an heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have been agreed, with Hearn saying the fight is a done deal although still formally unsigned.

“The deal is done, really — without being signed. The financial elements of the deal are done. We’re talking through the broadcast situation, the only thing really now is to paper it.”

The remaining points to be sorted out are the fight venue and broadcasters, but those are details aren’t expected to be much of a hindrance. A location in the Middle East is currently the leading candidate to stage the fight.

Hearn continues by saying to host a fight of this magnitude will require significant government support, which countries in the Middle East have shown to this point, but hopes that a prospective rematch can be held back in England if possible.