Friday 9 March 2018 13:49, UK
Tyson Fury has a "straightforward road" to fighting Anthony Joshua if he links up with Eddie Hearn, the promoter has claimed.
Former world heavyweight champion Fury is still without a promoter despite closing in on a return to the ring, after nearly two-and-a-half years without a fight.
"There have been a lot of rumours that he will join up with us. That's not true, as far as I know," Matchroom boss Hearn exclusively told Sky Sports.
If he comes with us, there's a very straightforward road into a lot of heavyweight fights. Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, Tony Bellew.
"We're not close to any kind of agreement. We've had some conversations. I think he's talking to [other promoters] right now.
"If he comes with us, there's a very straightforward road into a lot of heavyweight fights. Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, Tony Bellew.
"Ultimately the grand prize of Joshua because that is a huge fight."
Joshua must first progress past Joseph Parker in a world title unification fight on March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Joshua also has the option to fight in the United States, with Hearn insisting: "I am not sure if the US is imminent but I would expect him to box in America in the next 12 months."
But Fury, whose last fight in November 2015 ended Wladimir Klitschko's near 10-year reign as world heavyweight champion, remains one of Joshua's biggest targets.
The resolution of Fury's dispute with UK Anti-Doping has opened the door to his return and, as he sheds much of his excess weight, he is seeking a promoter for his comeback.
"I opened the division up for all these heavyweights to have world titles," Fury told Sky Sports News earlier this week after sparring with Lucas Browne.
"Joshua has been doing a good job of polishing my belts, keeping them nice and warm.
"[Trainer] Brendan Ingle once said, it's easy to beat Tyson Fury, very, very easy. Nail him to the canvas, because if you can't do that I'm going to eat you up, eat you all up. Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, whoever else, I'm coming for you."
