The much‑anticipated heavyweight duel between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua appears to be edging closer to a venue in the United States rather than the United Kingdom, according to recent statements from those involved in the negotiations. Eddie Hearn, the promoter representing Joshua, disclosed that Turki Al‑Alshikh – the Saudi official who has been spearheading the organization of an all‑British title fight – is now leaning toward staging the bout on American soil. Al‑Alshikh had previously emphasized his desire for a date and location that would accommodate a worldwide audience, even mentioning that he would discuss a later‑than‑usual kick‑off with London’s mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, to make the event more globally accessible. Nevertheless, Sky Sports News reported earlier in the week that the Brent Council has not yet been approached about extending the curfew at Wembley Stadium to permit a 2 a.m.
ring‑walk, a logistical hurdle that underscores the growing uncertainty surrounding a London‑based showdown. In an interview with DAZN ahead of Joshua’s warm‑up bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia, Hearn said, “Within the past 24 hours we have been told that a fight in America is what they want.” He added that this request does not align with the terms of the existing contract, which explicitly stipulates that the match must take place in the United Kingdom. “Until we are satisfied, we expect every clause of that agreement to be honoured,” Hearn asserted.
“Anthony Joshua himself has insisted that the contract says the fight has to be in the UK.” Hearn clarified that if the parties wish to alter the venue, a new negotiation would be required. “Renegotiating the contract is not a problem in itself, but it is a conversation we have to have,” he said. Meanwhile, Fury has expressed skepticism that Joshua will agree to the fight under the current terms and has even questioned whether his rival possesses the courage to step into the ring with him. Speaking after a seventh‑round stoppage of Mariusz Wach in a non‑televised exhibition in Thailand, Fury referenced Joshua’s decision not to face him after Fury’s victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.
Fury remarked, “I’ve passed my test. Let’s see if Anthony can pass his. The biggest test of all 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 went on to say that he will regroup and hopes that a major fight agreement can be signed in the coming week, after which the location will be determined.
“Will it be in Vegas? New York?
Ireland? London? Who knows – maybe Belfast, maybe even here in Pattaya, Thailand!” Fury mused, illustrating the fluid nature of the negotiations and the many possibilities still on the table.
The broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to be packed with high‑profile events, and both fighters remain among the sport’s biggest draws. While the contract currently calls for a UK venue, the commercial appeal of a U.S.
location – with its larger pay‑per‑view market and iconic arenas such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas – is a compelling factor for promoters and broadcasters alike. If the fight does move to America, it would join a long line of historic heavyweight clashes that have taken place on U.S. soil, potentially boosting global viewership and revenue.
However, relocating the bout would also require renegotiating terms related to ticketing, broadcasting rights, and local regulations, all of which could introduce new complexities. For now, fans are left watching a tug‑of‑war between contractual obligations and commercial incentives.
Hearn’s insistence on adhering to the original agreement reflects a desire to honor the expectations set for UK fans, while Al‑Alshikh’s push for an American venue highlights the growing importance of a worldwide audience in modern boxing. Regardless of where the fight ultimately lands, the rivalry between Fury and Joshua promises to be a defining moment for the heavyweight division, drawing attention from casual viewers and die‑hard boxing enthusiasts alike.
The next few weeks will likely reveal whether the two camps can find common ground or whether the bout will be reshaped by new negotiations, venue changes, and perhaps even a different date altogether. Stay tuned for further updates as the negotiations progress, and keep an eye on official announcements from the fighters’ promoters, governing bodies, and broadcasters, who will ultimately determine the final setting for what could become one of the most talked‑about heavyweight contests in recent memory.