Barry Hearn has revealed boxing could soon be coming to our TV screens again despite the coronavirus.
And the top sports promoter is also “confident” of giving the British public what they want in the flesh – a huge arena heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Hearn’s Matchroom stable represents British heavyweight world champion Joshua and a host of other top stars. And although Joshua’s world title defence against Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev has been postponed until June 20 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Hearn and son Eddie have plans for the coming months.
Hearn Snr said: “It may be some time before we can do the big arena shows – and that’s where Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury belong.
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“I’m confident, because the demand for that fight is huge, Anthony is very keen about unifying the titles. Tyson has the missing belt and he’s not afraid of anyone. If he managed to beat Joshua he would become a massive global figure.
“There’s a 50/50 chance of it happening this year, if not a 95 per cent chance early next year.There’s nothing better than an AJ fight in a big stadium.
“Eddie is also working on so many creative ideas to bring boxing back to our screens, and that might be behind closed doors to start with.
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“My boxers are in the same position as my darts and snooker players. They want to fight and earn a living, which is something we will not shy away from.
“Anthony Joshua is realistic about what’s happening. He wants to be boxing and he’s prepared to fight anybody tomorrow – and that includes Tyson Fury.
“But we’re all governed by situations beyond our control. Hopefully that may soon change.
“When this is all over there will be survivors and there will be a huge demand for sport.”
