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Bob Arum: Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua could happen in UK, venues named

Promoter Bob Arum says Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua won’t fight this summer

The first all-British showdown with all four major heavyweight world titles could still happen, according to the Hall of Fame promoter.

An undisputed heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could take place in the UK in 2022, according to the 'Gypsy King's' US promoter Bob Arum.

Talks were ongoing for months between both sides with the view to the pair fighting this summer.
The plan was a two-fight deal. The first fight was scheduled for August 14, with the second bout taking place towards the end of 2021.

Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn admitted he had been working for four months on the fight with the showdown pencilled in for Saudi Arabia.

However, in May, just days after the news had circulated that a venue and date was in serious consideration, the fight collapsed.

Deontay Wilder won his arbitration case against Fury, meaning the British fighter had to face American Wilder in a trilogy fight rather than fight Joshua.

Tyson Fury to defeat Deontay Wilder, bet here

Hearn told talkSPORT in May: "I actually called Bob Arum after the arbitration ruling, I said: 'What on Earth has happened here?'

"He said: 'Oh you won't believe it, I can't believe it, it's just ridiculous, but we're gonna do this fight.'
"I said: 'What are you talking about? I've just worked for four months to make this fight, financially it's an unbelievable opportunity for both guys, it's the undisputed heavyweight world championship, go and do something about it.'
"He said: 'What can I do? Nothing.'"

"No break downs" between Fury and Joshua

Fury's promoter Arum has confirmed that talks did not break down with Joshua's team and that if a deal had been signed the ruling would not have been able to stop a mega fight between the British pair.

Asked if there were any issues for a future Fury vs Joshua match-up, Arum told Sky Sports. "The answer is none. There were no break downs between the Fury side and the Joshua side. None.

"The fight couldn't be finalised for Saudi Arabia and then the arbitrator in the Wilder situation felt that he could, if he decided the case for Wilder, enjoin Fury from fighting anybody else other than Wilder.

"But if the contract had been signed, he never would have done it. He might have given Wilder some damages, but he would not have stopped the fight.
"But again, there was no signed contract for that fight. That's what happened. It's as plain and as simple as that."

Arum though insists a battle between the British rivals can be revived for 2022. As long as Fury takes care of Wilder later this month and Joshua dispatches Oleksandr Usyk later in the summer.

Cardiff or London to stage Fury v AJ

Lawyer Arum, 89, also named two potential U.K. venues.
Arum said: "Next time around, if it's Joshua and Tyson Fury, first of all, where should the fight be held?
"There's a big argument that by that time, the pandemic is behind us, we wait until the spring and we do it in Wembley, or one of the big arenas.
"If we wanted to do it in winter, we can do it in Cardiff [Principality Stadium], because 70,000 seats, indoor arena, or it can go to Saudi Arabia."

AJ furious

Joshua was left furious at the collapse of the Fury fight. He blamed his rival's camp and claimed he will face the Wythenshawe-born boxer regardless of what happens against Usyk.

"But look, let me get past Usyk first. With or without Usyk in my life I'm going to fight Fury. Let's put it that way. Usyk's not the end all and be all. Usyk doesn't determine that fight.
"Unfortunately [Fury's] team let the whole boxing world down. I will still be here, still ready to put on a show," Joshua told Sky Sports.
"That fight has to happen. It's a big fight - bigger than boxing, bigger than the belts. So yeah, it'll happen.
"After I fight Usyk and defend my belts and hopefully the world's back to normal, this fight is going to be absolutely bigger and better than what it would have been in a few weeks."

READ MORE: Deontay Wilder taunts Tyson Fury in gym over weight

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