Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have reached an agreement to fight twice with the first bout to be held next year, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua regained his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles last December by outpointing Andy Ruiz in their rematch while Fury dethroned Deontay Wilder in February to become WBC champion.

The British pair now hold all four major belts in boxing’s blue riband division and speculation of a blockbuster bout to determine the undisputed world heavyweight champion has been steadily building in recent months.

“It’s the biggest fight ever in British boxing. It doesn’t get bigger, and there will never be a bigger fight in our generation.”

Frank Warren, one of Fury’s promoters, was cautiously optimistic about how negotiations are progressing.

He said in a statement: “Both sides do accept that any prospective fight will demand a 50/50 split and both sides accept there will be a rematch.

“Things are going in the right direction and we couldn’t be more happy that a potential mega fight is in reach.”