“We Crack on, Fans or No Fans” – Eddie Hearn on Dec 12th (Joshua vs Pulev)

“AJ, December 12 at the O2, that is the date we are trying to make that fight for,” Hearn said on Sky Sports News. “We are on the verge of an announcement, we hope and pray that it can be in front of a packed O2, or a crowd in some capacity. 

“But his career must continue. As we build up to the undisputed fight next year, he must fight this year, fans or no fans.

“One thing that is important about all this schedule, AJ included, is we crack on, fans or no fans,” Hearn added. “We’ve got to find a way to keep this momentum going and we will do it. 

“All these fights and all those fighters that are listed, AJ included, are committed to fighting this year, behind closed doors or in front of fans.

“Tomorrow (16/9) we have a little feedback coming from the Government where we hope we will be allowed 1,000 fans for Buatsi and Ritson and as we move on to November, hopefully Diliian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin can have fans in attendance. There is a little outside chance you might see Usyk v Chisora on October 31 as well.”