Eddie Hearn sets final Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury deadline amid Oleksandr Usyk admission

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn admits a long-awaited showdown between British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury must take place by the end of 2025 - or it might not happen at all.

Joshua and Fury are two of the biggest names in sport - let alone boxing - and the proposed fight between them has been a long time in the making. However, both have had to overcome several obstacles in their careers, which are, ultimately, responsible for them not yet going head-to-head in the ring.

Of course, striking up the deal when Joshua and Fury were world champions - at various points - was problematic as, is so often the case at the very top level. Oleksandr Usyk has also had a major say in recent times.

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The Ukrainian, who became undisputed four-belt world champion in May when he defeated Fury, has also beaten Joshua in two previous world title fights. Usyk, 37, went on to vacate the IBF strap in June.

Joshua could reclaim that particular prize, which is held by Daniel Dubois, when they meet on Saturday night. Fury, meanwhile, is preparing for a rematch with Usyk, which will take place in Saudi Arabia on December 21.

Hearn, who heads up Matchroom Boxing and has promoted Joshua throughout his career, reflected on that so-far elusive fight between AJ and Fury, 36, in the build-up to Joshua vs Dubois at Wembley Stadium.

Hearn told BBC Sport: "I do think AJ vs Fury will happen regardless of whether Fury wins or not, but the size of the fight depends on their next two results."

Asked if there was a deadline for the end of next year, Hearn, 45, said: "Yes.