The much‑anticipated heavyweight bout 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 arranging the fight. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua, disclosed that Turki Alalshikh – the Saudi businessman who is spearheading the all‑British showdown – has recently expressed a preference for staging the encounter on American soil. Alalshikh had earlier indicated that his priority was to schedule the fight at a time that would accommodate a worldwide television audience, and he even suggested opening discussions with London’s mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, about moving the start time later than usual to suit global viewers. Despite those diplomatic overtures, a separate report from Sky Sports News this week highlighted a practical stumbling block: Brent Council has not yet been approached about the possibility of extending Wembley Stadium’s curfew to permit a 2 a.m.
ring‑walk, a requirement that would be necessary if the fight were to take place in London at a later hour. In an interview with DAZN ahead of Joshua’s warm‑up bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia, Hearn said, “Within the last 24 hours we’ve been told that the preferred location is now the United States. 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 the fight should be staged in the UK.” He added that Joshua himself has insisted the contract explicitly states the match must be held on British soil. Hearn continued, “If they want to amend the contract, we’ll have to renegotiate.
That’s not an issue in itself, but it’s a conversation we need to have.” Fury, meanwhile, has expressed skepticism that Joshua will ever agree to the terms needed for a showdown, questioning whether his rival has the “guts” to step into the ring with him. Speaking after a seventh‑round stoppage of Mariusz Wach in a non‑televised bout in Thailand, Fury referenced the moment in April when Joshua chose not to face him after his own victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “I passed my test,” Fury said.
“Now let’s see if Anthony passes 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 courage to meet me in the ring.
Let’s see if he ever does. I’m not convinced.” He went on to outline his own plans, saying, “I’ll regroup. Hopefully the next big fight is signed next week and we head wherever we’re headed. Will it be Vegas?
New York? Ireland? London? Belfast?
Maybe even Pattaya, Thailand?” The back‑and‑forth over location underscores the complex logistics of modern boxing promotions. On one hand, promoters must balance contractual obligations, local regulations such as curfew laws, and the desires of the fighters themselves.
On the other, they have to consider the commercial realities of broadcasting rights, pay‑per‑view revenue, and the potential to tap into lucrative American markets where heavyweight fights historically draw massive crowds and generate substantial gate receipts. If the bout were to move to the United States, several venues could become candidates. Las Vegas, with its storied boxing history and world‑class facilities, remains the most likely option. The city’s ability to accommodate large audiences, its proximity to major media hubs, and its reputation for delivering high‑profile fights make it an attractive choice for both promoters and sponsors.
New York, with Madison Square Garden’s iconic status, could also be a contender, especially if the promoters aim to tap into the East Coast market and the broader media exposure that comes with a Manhattan setting. Conversely, keeping the fight in the UK would satisfy the contractual language that both fighters have referenced. It would also allow British fans to witness a historic clash on home soil, preserving the narrative of an all‑British heavyweight showdown that has been teased for years. However, the logistical challenges – including the need to negotiate a later start time, secure a curfew extension, and possibly adjust broadcasting windows for a global audience – remain significant hurdles.
The situation also highlights the growing influence of Saudi investment in boxing. Alalshikh’s involvement has already facilitated several high‑profile events in the Kingdom, and his willingness to shift the fight to the United States could be seen as an attempt to maximize the commercial upside while still maintaining a degree of control over the event’s overall branding and financial structure. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the next official announcement.
As of now, no definitive date or venue has been confirmed, and both camps appear to be in intense negotiations. The fight’s eventual location will likely hinge on a combination of contractual compliance, financial incentives, and the strategic goals of the promoters and their backers.
In the meantime, boxing enthusiasts can stay up to date with the broader schedule of upcoming fights, including the highly anticipated matchups set for 2026, and can catch the latest highlights and analysis on platforms such as Sky Sports, NOW, and the Toe2Toe podcast. The sport continues to generate buzz, and the Fury‑Joshua showdown remains one of the most compelling storylines in modern heavyweight boxing, whether it ultimately unfolds under the bright lights of Las Vegas, the historic arches of Wembley, or another venue entirely.