According to Eddie Hearn, Fury and Joshua have been connected for nearly ten years, and now there’s a chance for them to square off in the ring later this year.

After nearly ten years of discussion, Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua may finally happen this year.

Oleksandr Usyk, the fierce opponent of heavyweight champion Fury, has signed a two-fight contract with him. Their undisputed world belts will be decided on May 18 in Saudi Arabia. Notwithstanding the outcome of the bout, they are anticipated to rematch later in the year because of a two-way rematch clause.

Following his convincing knockout victory over Francis Ngannou last month, Joshua, the former two-time world champion, has been guaranteed a chance to face either Fury or Usyk next. The head of Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn, believes that if Fury defeats Usyk in the upcoming month, a matchup with Joshua will take place rather than a rematch with the Ukrainian.

Darts prodigy Luke Littler winning a global championship or Fury facing Joshua? Piers Morgan asked Hearn which is more likely. Hearn said, “Well, because the darts Championship comes in December and January, I’m gonna say that Fury vs AJ happens this year.” Thus, I will state that “AJ vs. Fury [occurs first].”

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren isn’t on the same page as Hearn as he thinks the domestic clash won’t take place until next year. “Next March, if Tyson does what I believe he’ll do and AJ continues to win, I’m sure that’ll set up a big fight,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s like going back to the late 60s, 70s, that’s what’s happening now. These guys are all fighting each other.”

Both of Joshua’s recent fights have taken place in Saudi Arabia whilst Fury returns to the Kingdom next month after his controversial fight against Ngannou last October. Warren admitted he wants Fury vs Joshua to take place in the UK but thinks Saudi Arabia will host the fight because that’s where the money is.

“I’ve got to be honest, I think that is where it will go,” Warren added. “Of course, I’d like them in the UK. I look back when I was younger – all those many, many, many years ago – I look at all those really great fighters like Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, where did they put their big fight on?”