Anthony Joshua expects Tyson Fury to sign a fight contract "in the next couple of days" and that broadcaster situation is 'extremely positive'

ANTHONY JOSHUA anticipates that he will have a contract to fight Tyson Fury in the "next couple of days", paving the way to the Battle of Britain.

Eddie Hearn, AJ's promoter, met with George Warren's son last week and offered a "take it as it is" deal.

Joshua gave Hearn orders and Hearn confirmed that they would accept the terms. This included a financial split of 60%/40.

He spoke on Matchroom Boxing's channel and said that he had met George Warren Friday night and made an offer to fight him.

"We were not happy with the terms. We tried to negotiate them but were told that there was no negotiation. It was either take it or leave.

"We accepted the offer in written form on Friday.

"I spoke with George Warren again today and we expect to get a contract within the next few days. We hope to move forward with this fight.

"There's no reason to not, the key terms have been agreed; there's a broadcast situation that needs to be sorted out which is at the moment extremely positive. We are currently in a positive place."

Joshua, 32, is coming off two losses to Oleksandr Uzyk and will be fighting in this fight for an unexpected world title shot.

Fury, 34, was expected to take on Usyk, 35 in the first heavyweight division four-belt unification fight.

The Ukrainian, however, has decided to stay out of the fray until next year after he returned to his war-torn family and home for the first time.

Fury announced his retirement in April and he surprisingly turned to AJ to fight before the year ended.

Hearn wanted Joshua to return in December for a confidence-building bout.

The opportunity to challenge Fury for Fury's WBC belt and to settle their long-standing feud was too tempting to refuse.

Hearn stated that he felt this was his chance to fight Tyson Fury.

"I believe Mr Fury has a great deal, but it wasn't just about the money.

"We were not allowed to negotiate. In all deals you negotiate, but we were told unambiguously, 'No movement. Take it or leave it.'

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"We were treated as the B-side going into this fight, and it came down AJ wanting to fight.

"I have always had doubts about Tyson Fury, but I believe everything George Warren says and I believe them.

"They're saying 100% they want to fight, and if they do, it will be their fight."

The Grudge Fight is scheduled for December 3, at Cardiff's Principality Stadium (75,000 seats).

Fury is bound to a BT Sports exclusive deal, while Joshua's new deal with DAZN begins with his next fight.

The sports streaming service recently launched a pay per view platform. This makes it possible to make a rare box office deal.

Hearn stated that "Those conversations have already begun and I don’t see why an amicable resolution can’t be found."

"The broadcasters could have stopped this fight, but I don’t believe they want to. This fight should take place because it's in everyone's best interest."