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What to expect from Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua’s two-fight deal

Profile Picture: Danny Howard

Danny Howard

March 17th, 2021

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have come to terms for a two-fight deal to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion in more than 20 years.

Let's break down this monumental development and what we know so far about a potential summer super fight.

What do we know?

Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, recently confirmed to ESPN that the two have signed a two-fight deal.

The initial fight will crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000. It also looks to be the biggest fight in the history of British boxing. A two-fight deal ensures there will be a definitive conclusion to one of the hottest rivalries in the sport.

Ahead of an official announcement, the fight should take place before the 2021 Olympics, with Dubai a possible venue. We know Fury and Joshua have already signed their contracts, so this fight is as good as done.

This heavyweight era will crown its king

After Lewis retired, the title splintered, and the heavyweight division lost its allure to the public. Even during the reign of the Klitschko brothers, the division remained uninteresting for well over a decade, until Fury and Joshua began to make their presence felt.

They’ve all but cleared out the division and are natural foes. Fury is the crafty tactician, whereas Joshua is the flashy athlete, and both have turned in devastating performances against top-tier opposition. They also can’t stand each other, and that could make for an incredible night.

Fury, Joshua, seek career defining victories

Regardless of where they go from here, this will serve as the biggest fight of either man's career. A Fury victory over Joshua would establish his status among the pantheon of all-time great heavyweights.

For Joshua, this is all about realizing the massive promise he showed before his upset loss to Andy Ruiz. Defeating Fury would boost Joshua's profile, but the 31-year-old is still in his prime and would thrive as undisputed champion.

Boxing fans will get a memorable fight

The fans will be the big winners when these two hit the ring. Fury may have the edge, but Joshua’s explosive punching power and Olympic pedigree is extremely dangerous. Fury may edge this out, but an inconclusive ending will almost certainly trigger an immediate rematch.

When the dust settles, the most prestigious division in boxing will have one man standing above all. Expect the hype, the anticipation almost unbearable, and action to satisfy even the stingiest of fight fans.

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