Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.
***
Bob Arum, who co-promotes Tyson Fury, believes that contracts will be exchanged with representatives of fellow heavyweight titleholder Anthony Joshua this week.
Negotiations have been ongoing with Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. The sides have agreed to financial terms, with an equal split between the two boxers anticipated.
“I talked to Eddie [Hearn] yesterday,” Arum told talkSPORT. “Eddie, with the Joshua people, will have the first draft of the contract to us on Tuesday. And then I will circulate it to [Fury co-promoter] Frank [Warren], to Tyson, and to the various lawyers.
“We’ll then get back to Eddie with our comments, and I really believe that this is pretty much a no-brainer because everybody [is a] professional and wants this to happen. So I think shortly we’ll be able to tie this up and then jointly select the site.”
[lawrence-related id=17239,17195,17140,17115,17090,17044]
Hearn has been exploring potential sites for what is expected to be at least two fights between Fury and Joshua. In light of coronavirus restrictions in the U.K., the first fight will be staged abroad.
“The appropriate place would’ve been the United Kingdom,” Arum said. “But with the restrictions and uncertainty, we’re looking for a site someplace else – be it the Mid-East or Asia. And I’m sure that once we get this document signed, we’ll jointly be able to select the site and get it announced.”
Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) hasn’t fought since he stopped Deontay Wilder in the seventh round in February. Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) competed in December, knocking out Kubrat Pulev in the ninth round to retain his three belts.