Heavyweight champs Anthony Joshua & Tyson Fury AGREE 'in essence' to 2-fight deal, says promoter Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed "in essence" financial terms for a double 'Battle of Britain' showdown to face each other in two undisputed world heavyweight championship fights, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

Hearn, who acts as Joshua's promoter under the Matchroom umbrella, told Sky Sports News that the two fighters have agreed to the financial side of the fight, but conceded there was still "a long way to go" to getting the fight details sealed.

"It's fair to say [Joshua and Fury] are in agreement regarding the financial terms of the fight," Hearn said.

"We've been talking to [Fury's management team] MTK, giving them the assurances from Joshua's side that all the details on the structure of the deal is approved from our side. And it is from Fury's side, as well.

"We're in a good place. It's fair to say that, in principle, both guys have agreed to that fight. Two fights.

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"[There's] a lot to overcome in the meantime. We're moving in the right direction. I'm confident that both guys have given their blessing for the fight to go ahead.

"The point of Fury, Joshua and the teams agreeing to the structure of the deal? The first fight could happen next summer. It will be 2021."

"The main positive news is that Joshua and Fury have agreed to a two-fight deal, in essence."

Hearn says he believed the financial details of the fight would be the most difficult to iron out, but terms have been put forward and agreed to by both parties, leaving dates and venues the biggest obstacles into letting the two step into the ring.

A face-off between two heavyweight British rulers for the undisputed title will undoubtedly be the biggest fight ever involving two Britons.

'Gypsy King' Tyson Fury is widely considered the best heavyweight on the planet following his seven-round demolition of previously undefeated Deontay Wilder in February to capture the WBC title and become a two-time champion, despite Joshua holding the WBO, IBF and WBA belts simultaneously.