The much‑anticipated clash between heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua appears to be edging closer to a U.S. setting rather than the United Kingdom, according to recent statements from the fighters' camps and promoters. Eddie Hearn, the man who handles Joshua’s affairs, disclosed that Turki Alalshikh – the Saudi official spearheading the all‑British bout – has recently expressed a preference for staging the encounter on American soil. Alalshikh had earlier insisted that the fight should be timed to suit a worldwide television audience and even hinted at negotiating with London’s mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, to allow a later‑than‑usual start time that would accommodate global viewers.
Despite those talks, a separate report from Sky Sports News this week indicated that Brent Council has not yet been approached about loosening the curfew at Wembley Stadium, which would be necessary to permit a 2 a.m. ring‑walk. The lack of progress on that front adds weight to the theory that a transatlantic venue is becoming more likely.
During a pre‑fight interview with DAZN ahead of Joshua’s warm‑up bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia, Hearn said, “In the last 24 hours we’ve been told the preference is for a fight in America. That doesn’t line up with the contract we signed. Until we’re satisfied, we expect every clause of that agreement to be honoured.
I feel this fight belongs in the UK.” He went on to note that Joshua himself has stressed that the contract explicitly states the match must take place in Britain. Hearn added, “If they want to amend the contract, we’ll have to renegotiate. That’s not a problem in principle, but it’s a conversation we need to have.” Meanwhile, Fury has voiced skepticism that Joshua will actually agree to the terms, questioning whether his rival has the courage to step into the ring with him.
Speaking after his seventh‑round knockout of Mariusz Wach in a private, non‑televised fight in Thailand, Fury referenced the missed opportunity in April when Joshua chose not to face him after his own victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fury remarked, “I’ve passed my test. Let’s see if Anthony can pass his. The biggest test is how big his balls are.
I think he’s a big s***‑house. In Tottenham, in front of 70,000 fans, he never had the guts to get in the ring with me. Let’s see if he ever does.
I’m not convinced.” He continued, “I’ll regroup. Hopefully the next big fight gets signed next week and we head wherever we’re headed.
Could it be Vegas? New York? Ireland?
London? Belfast?
Maybe even Pattaya, Thailand?” The back‑and‑forth over location underscores a larger trend in modern boxing: the tension between traditional home‑ground events and the commercial pull of the U.S. market, where pay‑per‑view revenues and sponsorship deals often dwarf those available in Europe. Promoters argue that a U.S.
venue would maximise global exposure and revenue, while fighters like Joshua and their representatives stress the importance of honoring existing contracts and catering to local fan bases. If the bout does move to the United States, logistical hurdles remain. A U.S. location would require renegotiating broadcasting rights, adjusting travel schedules for both camps, and potentially dealing with differing athletic commission regulations.
Conversely, keeping the fight in the UK would mean navigating the curfew issue at Wembley, securing a later start time, and possibly dealing with additional security and public‑order considerations given the size of the anticipated crowd. Both camps appear ready to keep negotiations open. Hearn’s comments suggest a willingness to amend the contract if both parties agree, while Fury’s public taunts serve to keep the pressure on Joshua and his team. The next few weeks will likely see a flurry of legal and promotional activity as each side tries to secure the most advantageous arrangement.
Fans worldwide are already speculating about potential venues. Las Vegas, with its storied boxing history and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, is a frequent favourite for marquee fights. New York’s Madison Square Garden offers a historic backdrop, while a return to London would please the British fanbase that has supported both fighters from the start of their careers.
Even a neutral location like Dublin or Belfast has been floated, reflecting the fighters’ Irish heritage and the region’s growing appetite for high‑profile bouts. Regardless of where the showdown ultimately lands, the fight promises to be a defining moment for the heavyweight division. A victory for Fury would solidify his claim as the dominant heavyweight of his era, while a win for Joshua could restore his standing after a series of setbacks. The stakes are high, the money is massive, and the global audience is eager.
As the negotiations continue, the boxing world watches closely, waiting for the official announcement that will set the stage for what could become one of the most talked‑about heavyweight fights in recent memory. The final decision on venue, date, and terms will shape not only the immediate future of these two champions but also the broader landscape of heavyweight boxing for years to come. For live coverage of related events, viewers can tune in to Sky Sports or stream on NOW without a contract. Upcoming fights include Edgar Berlanga vs.
Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins vs. Ricardo Salas, both airing from New York on Sunday at 10 p.m. local time.