Bob Arum Frustrated With Lack Of Progress Towards Fury vs Joshua

Bob Arum, chairman of Top Rank, has stated he would not be the least bit surprised if the much anticipated Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua heavyweight showdown does not come about.

Arum’s reasoning for this is due to Eddie Hearn’s (Joshua’s promoter) apparent reluctance to get the fight signed and agreed upon by all parties. In an interview with Boxing Scene, Arum states that rather than wait around for Hearn agree to the fight, he may set up Fury for a trilogy bout Deontay Wilder.

“Maybe we’ll breathe some life into Wilder, and Fury will fight Wilder and Joshua will fight (WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr) Usyk,” said Arum (via BoxingScene.com).

Arum went on to discuss Hearn himself. He stated that:

“Eddie Hearn is busy trying to sell the London Bridge. Let me tell you – last time I talked to Eddie was early last week and he said he was going to have a signed agreement from the Saudis in 24 hours. Well, he’s a little late. Wouldn’t you be pessimistic if you haven’t heard from him or anybody for a week? We’re the promoter with Frank (Warren) of Fury and we haven’t heard from Eddie in a week.”

Non Binding

Bob Arum also revealed that they had received an initial contract from Hearn. However, it was not a binding contract, and there has been no attempt to rectify this since.

We got a document and they said it wasn’t binding. We said it has to be binding and we haven’t heard back from them. It says in (the paperwork) it this is not a binding agreement,” Arum said.

“Eddie sent me the draft but it was not a binding agreement and it was supposed to be turned into a binding agreement in 24 hours and Frank and I haven’t spoken to Eddie since. He’s gone radio silent.”