The long‑awaited heavyweight duel between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is increasingly appearing to be headed for the United States rather than the United Kingdom, according to recent statements from key figures on both sides of the bout. Eddie Hearn, the promoter representing Joshua, disclosed that Turki Alalshikh – the Saudi official who has been steering the all‑British fight’s negotiations – has now expressed a clear preference for staging the encounter on American soil. Alalshikh had earlier indicated that he wanted the event to be timed for maximum global viewership and even suggested he would discuss a later‑than‑usual start time with London’s mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, to accommodate a worldwide audience.
Despite those earlier plans, Sky Sports News reported this week that Brent Council has not yet been approached about loosening Wembley Stadium’s curfew restrictions, a step that would be required to permit a 2 a.m. ring‑walk if the fight were to remain in London.
The lack of progress on that front has added fuel to the speculation that a transatlantic move may be inevitable. In an interview with DAZN ahead of Joshua’s warm‑up bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, Hearn said, "In the last 24 hours we’ve been told that a fight in America is what they want. That doesn’t line up with the contract we signed. Until we’re satisfied, we expect every point of that contract to be honoured.
I feel this fight should be taking place in the UK. Anthony Joshua insisted that the contract states the fight must be in the UK." He went on to add, "If they want to change the contract, then we have to renegotiate the contract. Which, by the way, is not a problem.
But it’s a conversation we have to have." The contractual wrangle highlights a deeper tension: while the promoters and the Saudi backers are eager to maximise revenue and viewership by tapping into the lucrative U.S. market, the fighters themselves – particularly Joshua – have repeatedly emphasized a desire to keep the showdown on home soil.
Fury, meanwhile, has not been entirely convinced that Joshua will agree to the terms being floated. After his seventh‑round stoppage of Mariusz Wach in a non‑televised bout in Thailand, the 37‑year‑old champion took the opportunity to question Joshua’s willingness to face him. Fury recalled that after Joshua’s April victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the British fighter never stepped into the ring with him, suggesting a lack of resolve.
"I got through my test. Let’s see if [Joshua] gets through his test. The biggest test of it all is how big his balls are. I think he’s a big s***house," Fury said, using his trademark bravado.
"In Tottenham in front of 70,000 people, he never had the guts to get in the ring and face me. Let’s see if he ever does. I’m not convinced." Fury’s comments, while colorful, underscore a broader narrative in heavyweight boxing: the sport’s biggest names are often locked in a complex dance of negotiations, ego, and market forces. The prospect of a Fury‑Joshua fight has been a tantalising dream for fans for years, and the stakes are now higher than ever.
Looking ahead, Fury hinted at the fluid nature of the fight’s location, saying, "I’ll regroup. Hopefully the next big fight is signed next week, and we head wherever we’re going to head. Is it gonna be in Vegas?
Is it gonna be in New York? Is it gonna be in Ireland?
Is it gonna be in London? Who knows, Belfast maybe? It might even be here in Pattaya, Thailand!" His remarks reflect both the uncertainty surrounding the venue and the global appeal of a potential showdown. If the bout does move to the United States, several cities are already being floated as possible hosts.
Las Vegas, with its storied boxing history and world‑class facilities, remains the most likely candidate. New York, with its iconic Madison Square Garden, also offers a historic backdrop that could add to the fight’s legacy.
Meanwhile, promoters have hinted that a neutral venue such as Dublin or even a return to a neutral Asian location could be on the table, especially if logistical hurdles in the UK prove insurmountable. The financial implications of an American venue are significant. A fight in Las Vegas could command a larger pay‑per‑view audience, attract higher sponsorship deals, and generate greater gate revenue than a UK‑based event, especially given the time‑zone advantages for North American broadcasters. On the other hand, keeping the fight in Britain would preserve the narrative of a home‑grown clash between two of the country’s biggest sporting icons, potentially boosting domestic ticket sales and maintaining the cultural significance of a British heavyweight showdown.
Both fighters have expressed a desire to see the fight happen sooner rather than later. Joshua’s camp, while firm on contractual language, has also indicated a willingness to renegotiate if it means securing the bout. Fury, ever the showman, has kept the pressure on by publicly questioning Joshua’s resolve, a tactic that keeps the conversation alive in the media and among fans. In the meantime, boxing fans can stay engaged with other high‑profile events on the horizon.
Sky Sports is broadcasting Edgar Berlanga versus Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins versus Ricardo Salas from New York on Sunday night, offering a taste of the kind of high‑octane action that could be expected from a Fury‑Joshua encounter. As the negotiations continue, the sport’s governing bodies, local authorities, and broadcasters will all play a role in shaping the final outcome. Whether the fight ends up under the bright lights of a Las Vegas casino, the historic arches of Madison Square Garden, the familiar streets of London, or even a surprising location like Pattaya, the anticipation remains palpable. The heavyweight division stands at a crossroads, and the Fury‑Joshua saga exemplifies the blend of sport, business, and personal rivalry that defines modern boxing.
Fans worldwide await the next official announcement, hoping that the contractual hurdles will be cleared and that the long‑awaited clash will finally materialise, delivering a night of unforgettable boxing history.