Joshua-Fury fight 'miles away', says Hearn

[May 02, 2017]  (Reuters) - A showdown between IBF, WBA and IBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is "miles away" as the former champion is yet to regain his physical form and boxing license, promoter Eddie Hearn has said.

Joshua beat Wladimir Klitschko after 11 rounds on Saturday to win three of the four heavyweight titles that belonged to Fury, who relinquished all of his titles in 2015 after his license was suspended pending investigation for doping and medical issues.

The heavyweight rivals have been talking about a match-up since last week when they exchanged barbs on Twitter and Fury challenged Joshua after his victory at Wembley, saying he "can beat AJ with one arm tied behind my back."

Hearn, who is planning Joshua's schedule, said that Fury still had a lot of hurdles to clear before a fight could be arranged.

"We are desperate for that fight because AJ thinks he wins comfortably, it is a great fight and it is the biggest fight out there," Hearn told talkSPORT. "But we can only concentrate on AJ's career and guiding him."

"He (Fury) is miles away from fighting. He is in a terrible physical way at the moment. He doesn't have a license, he needs to go back to the (British Boxing) board, and he is under investigation for (an alleged) failed (doping) test.

Anthony Joshua makes his entrance before the fight Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra Livepic

"There is no one that wants to see him back more than me, but it is miles away. He is not the next fight because he won't be ready in time."

Joshua, who extended his unbeaten run to 19 fights, could face Klitschko in a rematch or challenge either Deontay Wilder (WBC Champion) or Joseph Parker (WBO Champion) for his next match.

(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru; editing by Amlan Chakraborty)

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