Boxing bombshell as Anthony Joshua agrees deal for blockbuster Tyson Fury fight - but there's a catch

For years, speculation has rumbled on that Joshua and Fury will meet in an all-British clash for the ages.

While that's the case, though, Fury's decision to retire from the sport in January - shortly after losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in Saudi Arabia - appeared to put an end to that dream.

Fast-forward to now and talk of Joshua and Fury finally settling their differences has arisen again.

While AJ's next bout is likely to be against Jake Paul in December, in what would represent his first fight since his infamous defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, he could face a higher pedigree of opposition in 2026.

Hearn, speaking to Betfred, has revealed that himself and Joshua have agreed a deal with Saudi supremo Turki Al-Sheikh that would see the Watford-born star face Fury next year.

However, with the Gypsy King yet to agree himself, there's still a chance nothing will come to fruition.

“Everything is run in that respect by Turki Al-Sheikh, who wants to make that fight," said Hearn.

"He hasn’t failed yet. We’ve agreed our deal to fight Tyson Fury, but obviously Tyson has to agree a deal otherwise there is no deal.

"We shall see what happens, but we’ll be ready for all eventualities.”

Earlier this week, news that Joshua was prepared to face Paul stunned the boxing world.

Hearn says that there's still details to iron out, while also defending his fighter from criticism.

“It’s a bit further off than that," he said when asked if the controversial clash was fully agreed.

"There’s lots of hurdles to overcome, namely whether Jake Paul really wants this fight.

"I think he’s mad to take the fight, respect to him if he does, and the amount of money involved, if you’re Anthony Joshua, who has plans in 2026 of a fight in February and then a fight with Tyson Fury, then why not take the opportunity to have a near career-high payday for a nice little run out in December?

"I know people will have their opinions, but that’s the reality of the situation.

"You’re just not going to turn it down, but let’s see if it’s real first. If it is, we’ll probably do it but if it’s not, we will announce a different opponent and move on.”

And Hearn has also made it clear that Joshua would cruise to victory over Paul, too.

“AJ flattens him," he insisted.

"Jake has become a decent cruiserweight. I don’t think he’s a world-class cruiserweight, but he is ranked by some governing bodies and it’s a massive step up.

"The thing is, we were going to take an eight-round fight in December, on an undercard, against a guy who’s in the top 120 of the heavyweight rankings that you’ve never heard of, so in that respect, I still believe they’d have been better than Jake Paul, but AJ wants the ability to go up there, wrap his hands, hit pads, do the ring walk and get a win under his belt.

"If that’s against Jake Paul for a lot of money, then we may well do it.”

The next big boxing fight takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight.

Chris Eubank Jr will be aiming to beat Conor Benn for a second time, having previously defeated the 29-year-old back in April.