Anthony Joshua has been sent the contract for a highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury, though the two-time heavyweight champion may step into the ring for a preparatory bout before meeting his domestic rival.
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that Joshua's team received the paperwork last week and are currently reviewing the terms.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said: "We received the contract last week, we are going through that."
The plan now centres on Joshua competing in July before facing Fury in November, a timeline that has shifted from earlier proposals.
Hearn stated: "July and November are the two dates that have been presented to us now and we expect to move forward."
Fury has reportedly already put pen to paper on the deal for the long-awaited British showdown.
Joshua's return to boxing comes after a devastating car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
The incident has understandably affected the fighter's preparation and timeline for his comeback.
Hearn addressed the situation, telling Sky Sports: "Obviously there has been a lot happening in AJ's life and we want to make sure that he is ready to return to the ring."
Encouragingly, Joshua is approaching medical clearance to resume intensive training.
"He is about to get the all clear in terms of the physical side to return to full training and that is great news," Hearn added.
The promoter noted that initial plans had Joshua fighting in March before an August meeting with Fury, but circumstances necessitated pushing everything back.
Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has emerged as a leading candidate for Joshua's July outing.
Wilder expressed interest in facing the British star following his recent victory over Derek Chisora, and Hearn confirmed discussions are underway.
"We have made it clear we are willing to fight Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury back-to-back," Hearn explained.
The promoter acknowledged that some observers might view facing Wilder as a riskier proposition than a more straightforward tune-up.
"I am not being disrespectful that Wilder is a warm-up fight but AJ is very comfortable to go into that fight next," he said.
However, Hearn suggested that stakeholders including Netflix may prefer a less challenging opponent for Joshua ahead of the lucrative Fury encounter.
"They will probably be looking for a slightly easier option for Joshua like Fury had, with all due respect," he noted.
The original schedule had Joshua returning to action in March before an August bout with Fury, but the tragic events of December forced a complete revision.
"Given everything that has happened, that has been delayed," Hearn confirmed.
Meanwhile, Fury has already sharpened his skills with a tune-up contest, securing a points decision against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Hearn believes Joshua deserves the same opportunity to find his rhythm before the blockbuster British clash.
"Fury has just had his tune-up fight with 12 really vital rounds to get him sharp for the next one and I expect us to do the same," the promoter said.
Wembley Stadium remains a potential venue, though Dublin's Croke Park appears unlikely given November's outdoor conditions.
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