The boxing world is awaiting an official announcement that the most accomplished, well-known British heavyweights of their generation will meet in a long awaited clash.

Fury (36-2-1, 25 KOs) has been his usual talkative self throughout the latest round of negotiations. Besides the occasional social media post, Joshua (30-4, 27 KOs) has maintained his customary quiet.

Joshua’s promoter Hearn thinks Fury will play more mind games as the fight draws closer but believes while trying to get under Joshua's skin, he also uses them as a tool to build his own confidence and self-belief.

“I think it's a game plan. I wouldn’t say fighters are ever scared but I think he's fearful of Anthony Joshua," Hearn said during an appearance on Fight Your Corner.

“I think he's afraid to lose but he knows the physical presence of Joshua as well. Fury’s a great fighter, a very smart fighter but I think he knows how tough the fight is.”

In his most recent post, Fury accused Joshua of being scared and promised to finish the fight quickly.

Fury has always maintained that he would have an easy night’s work with Joshua.

Hearn expects his confidence has been boosted at the sight of Joshua being dropped twice in the opening round of his July 25 stoppage win over Kristian Prenga.

Fury may be focusing on Joshua's vulnerabilities in public, though Hearn thinks he will privately be acutely aware of the danger he faces.

“They’ll think hang on, “Oh he got dropped by Prenga. He's not the fighter he was,” but he's still got the physicality and it will be a handful for him,” Hearn said.

“It'll be a real handful and any advantage that he can get, he’s going to try because that's what he's like.”