Eddie Hearn has provided an update on the future of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury squaring off in the ring.
Fans have been waiting for over a decade to see the pair square off, and it appears to be becoming a reality to find out who is the best boxer in Britain.
The Gypsy King has already revealed that he has signed a contract for the pair to square off, with Netflix announcing that the fight would be broadcast on the streamer.
Croke Park in Dublin and Saudi Arabia have been put forward for potential venues for the pair to square off; however, nothing has been finalised.
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As fans wait to hear concrete details around the fight, Hearn has now provided an update about the fight.
It has been reported Joshua has received the contract for the fight, but Hearn has suggested his fighter will need a warm-up in July ahead of the clash with Fury to ensure he is ready.
This will help Joshua, as it must be remembered that he has not fought since a tragic car crash in Nigeria which took the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele in December.
Hearn told Sky Sports: “I don't know if Fury has signed or not; that is his business. If he has, then that is great.
“We received the contract last week; we are going through that.
“Obviously there has been a lot happening in AJ's life, and we want to make sure that he is ready to return to the ring.
"He is about to get the all-clear in terms of the physical side to return to full training, and that is great news.
We expect to see him back in the ring in July. The original plan was to fight in March, then to fight Tyson Fury in August.
"Given everything that has happened, that has been delayed. July and November are the two dates that have been presented to us now, and we expect to move forward."
There is an expectation that this bout in July would be against Deontay Wilder, as Hearn has said he is exploring the possibility of lining up the fights back-to-back for Joshua.
Hearn said: “I think it is very likely [he will have a tune-up fight]. Given what happened, we were supposed to be doing that anyway," he added.
"Fury has just had his tune-up fight with 12 really vital rounds to get him sharp for the next one, and I expect us to do the same.
"Wilder would be a separate deal. We have made it clear we are willing to fight Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury back-to-back.
"I am not being disrespectful that Wilder is a warm-up fight, but AJ is very comfortable to go into that fight next.
“That is not the basis of the deal we have been offered, but it is one we would be very interested in if it were offered, and we want to look at that route.
"Some might perceive that to be the more dangerous option, especially when there is so much riding on Fury against Joshua, Netflix, everybody.
"I think they will probably be looking for a slightly easier option for Joshua like Fury had, with all due respect, and then move straight into that fight.
"100 per cent. [A warm-up fight in July then Fury in November] is the plan."
Topics: Boxing, Boxing News, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Eddie Hearn
Brendan McGilligan