Poll: Will Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua actually happen in 2021?

We’ve heard all the talk, all the predictions for who will win when the magical fight happens, but here’s a question: will it actually happen?

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have agreed to terms in principle on a two-fight deal that would start in 2021. As of now, it the fight would crown a true, bona fide, undisputed heavyweight champion, the first since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 1999, and the first in the era of four belts recognized as legitimate world titles.

But there’s a lot of ground to cover between now and then, too.

Fury (30-0-1, 21 KO) still has to meet Deontay Wilder in a third fight. Though Fury dominated Wilder in their February rematch, Tyson himself will tell you that he cannot take Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KO) lightly, as no matter what else anyone thinks, Deontay has dynamite in his hands and can knock anyone out if he lands the clean shot.

He may also have to deal with a potential WBC mandatory title defense against Dillian Whyte, but honestly, I’d bet against it; the WBC have been incredibly reluctant to actually give Whyte the fight he’s thought he’s been owed. But it’s not impossible, at least.

Joshua (23-1, 21 KO) has an IBF mandatory against Kubrat Pulev due, and while the IBF aren’t pushing the issue, them not setting a deadline doesn’t mean they’re going to wait forever, or that they can. Pulev would certainly look to push the issue. There’s also the WBO mandatory, which is Oleksandr Usyk, who does not intend to step aside.

While promoter Eddie Hearn is right that getting the financial details sorted is probably the biggest step of all, there’s also just the chance that whatever deal is currently agreed to will fall apart for whatever reason. It would not be the first or 500th time that has happened for a big fight.

So simple question: will we see Fury-Joshua in 2021?