If Anthony Joshua defeats Jermaine Franklin on Saturday, April 1, he will reportedly face Tyson Fury in the Battle of Britain mega-fight this summer.
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According to reports, the world title heavyweight Battle of Britain will most likely take place as a result of the cancellation of Fury’s April 29 fight against Oleksandr Usyk to determine the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in nearly 20 years.
Joshua will be under pressure to avoid a humiliating loss to American slugger Jermaine Franklin this weekend at the O2.
If Anthony Joshua defeats Jermaine Franklin on Saturday, he will face Tyson Fury in a Battle of Britain MEGA-FIGHT this summer.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has now informed him that the Fury fight is not only back on the table if he wins, but that the deal is already done in principle.
‘I truly believe that as long as AJ beats Franklin, we will see him against Fury in the summer,’ says Hearn.
‘Both parties had agreed to a December fight. The fight fell through, but the contract remains with both parties.
‘Disputes over purse splits have wreaked havoc.’ Fury-Usyk, but we’ve settled on a 60-40 split in Tyson’s favor. He was expected to win 70-30 against Usyk, but everyone agrees that AJ is a bigger draw for UK fans than Oleksandr.
‘I spoke with George Warren (Fury promoter Frank Warren’s son and consigliere) this week, and the original contract remains in place.
‘And we all know that the timing is perfect now, due to the circumstances with Usyk. And that this is the last chance for this massive fight to take place.
‘I anticipate exchanging pilot contracts with Queensberry soon. Perhaps as early as next week. AJ recognizes a significant opportunity. At long last. So much is at stake right now. But he is also completely focused on Franklin.
‘Who, by the way, is in pristine condition. Much better than in his previous fight with Dillian Whyte.
‘I’m even more worried about Saturday night now.’
After the December cancellation, Fury vowed he would never consider fighting Joshua again. However, with Usyk’s withdrawal, the Gypsy King now has the opportunity to resurrect one of the greatest domestic fights of all time.
