Tyson Fury in Tony Bellew talks over Brit heavyweight showdown in 2018
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed the fight could happen once Bellew has fought his rematch against David Haye
TYSON FURY is in talks with Tony Bellew over a heavyweight showdown next year.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed the fight could happen once Bellew has fought his rematch against David Haye.
Bellew is waiting for the fight to be rearranged after their original December date was put on hold when Haye ripped his bicep in a freak injury.
By the time the fight happens - most likely in March or May next year - Fury hopes to be cleared to return to boxing following a UKAD hearing.
Fury is desperate for a fight and called out Bellew earlier this week.
Hearn exclusively told : "I believe you will see Bellew vs Fury in 2018 but it won't be the next one.
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"My plan for Tony Bellew is to beat David Haye then fight Tyson Fury. By the time he beats Haye, the Fury [anti-doping hearing] situation may be in the clear.
"Tony has had discussions with Fury. We have had discussions. I spoke to Fury about that fight.
"Fury has joined up with [management company] MTK, so we will speak to those guys about the fight.
Hearn says it will not be difficult to for Fury and Bellew to strike a deal.
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He added: "It's quite a simple deal but it's about timing of when the fight takes place.
"People want to see Bellew vs Fury. But, what we cannot do because Tony hasn't fought for nine months, is wait for Fury.
"We can't plan a fight with someone who has a UKAD hearing, and has to go in front of the British Boxing Board of Control.
"Tony believes he has the style to beat Fury. And Fury is not the puncher that Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua are.
"When you go up from light-heavyweight to cruiserweight to heavyweight, your big disadvantage is the punch power.
"Fury is extremely skilled but he is not a big puncher. I'm not saying he isn't a puncher.
"But he isn't a devastating one-punch knockout artist, like the others. So Tony believes he can beat him.
"Haye is extremely driven to make the [Bellew rematch].
"He has a clear mind, he is an athlete, and he will do everything he can to be 100 per cent ready for Bellew."