Promoters of Joshua and Fury deliver promising updates on contract talks

Eddie Hearn has insisted fight fans will "get an announcement next week" regarding Anthony Joshua's heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury.

The Matchroom Boxing promoter has been working tirelessly to get a deal over the line and has been doing so in the face of recent scepticism from Fury's US promoter Bob Arum, who claimed the fight was "dead in the water".

Hearn responded by suggesting Arum had "lost the plot" and has now reaffirmed his unwavering belief the fight will take place this summer, after Frank Warren confirmed discussions for the fight were moving forward.

"You heard from Frank Warren last night, who said quite rightly, last night we received the contract from the Middle East," Hearn told Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday .

"All sides' lawyers have got to go through that and make sure they're happy with it.

"But we're all systems go. This fight is on, this fight is happening. As I told everyone last week, back and forwards with the drafts.

"I believe you'll get an announcement next week. I don't know what else to tell you.

"I saw Bob Arum's comments, 'The fight is dead'. I don't know where that came from.

"We know what we're doing and that's now been acknowledged by the other side, which is nice."

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There were fears Hearn's plan was beginning to unravel when Arum claimed it would take months for the details of the contract to be agreed from both sides, with those behind the site bid from Saudi Arabia also doing their own due diligence.

But Hearn quickly rebuffed his comments, blasting Arum's "irrational behaviour" and labelling him "fickle".

Warren – who also promotes Fury – had poured doubt on the event as well earlier this week when he stated he had not received an offer, but has since moved to allay any concerns.

"We've had something come through from the other side,' Warren told

. "A contract which we're all reviewing, a proposal.

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'"A proposed contract which we're reviewing. And obviously we'll look at it and hopefully we can agree terms. That's what we all want."

Hearn added that he expected negotiations to move to the next stage on Sunday night, before declaring: "Right now, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are in the absolute prime of their career.

"You will get this fight next, and you will get it for the undisputed world championship. We cannot move any quicker."

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