The highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is increasingly looking like it could take place on American soil rather than in the United Kingdom, according to recent statements from key figures on both sides. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua, disclosed that Turki Alalshikh – the Saudi official who has been spearheading the all‑British bout – is now leaning toward staging the fight in the United States. Alalshikh had previously emphasized his desire to schedule the encounter at a time that would suit a global audience, even suggesting he would negotiate with London’s mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, to allow a later start time that might accommodate a worldwide viewership.
Despite those earlier comments, Sky Sports News reported that the Brent Council – the local authority responsible for Wembley Stadium – has not yet been approached about extending the venue’s curfew to permit a 2 a.m. ring‑walk, a logistical hurdle that would be required for a late‑night fight in London.
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 have been told that a fight in America is what they want.” He added that this request appears to conflict with the existing contract, which, according to Joshua’s camp, stipulates that the bout must be held in the United Kingdom. “Until we are satisfied, we expect every clause of that agreement to be honoured,” Hearn insisted, emphasizing his belief that the fight should remain a British event. Hearn also noted that if the promoters wish to amend the location, a new negotiation would be necessary. “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,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Fury has expressed skepticism that Joshua will agree to the terms, questioning whether his rival possesses the courage to step into the ring with him. After securing a seventh‑round stoppage of Mariusz Wach in a non‑televised fight in Thailand, the 37‑year‑old champion turned his attention to Joshua’s perceived hesitancy.
Fury recalled how Joshua avoided a direct confrontation after Fury’s April victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a match that attracted a crowd of roughly 70,000. “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,” Fury said, adding a colorful insult. “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 went on to speculate about possible venues, ranging from Las Vegas and New York to Ireland, London, Belfast, or even a surprise location like Pattaya, Thailand, where he was currently fighting.
“I’ll regroup. Hopefully the next big fight is signed next week, and we head wherever we’re going to head,” he said. The potential relocation of the fight raises several practical considerations.
A U.S. venue would likely mean a different time zone for the global television audience, potentially boosting pay‑per‑view numbers in North America while requiring adjustments for European fans. It would also involve negotiating new terms with local authorities, securing a venue capable of handling a massive crowd, and addressing any visa or travel logistics for the fighters, their teams, and the thousands of supporters expected to travel abroad.
From a financial perspective, an American location could generate higher gate receipts, given the larger capacity of venues like the MGM Grand in Las Vegas or the Madison Square Garden in New York. Sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and ancillary revenue streams such as merchandise sales might also see a boost. However, moving the fight away from the UK could alienate a core British fan base that has been eagerly awaiting a domestic heavyweight clash between two of the sport’s biggest names. The contractual dispute adds another layer of complexity.
The original agreement, as cited by Hearn, apparently mandates a UK setting. Changing that clause would require both parties to reach a mutually acceptable amendment, potentially involving compensation for any parties who might incur losses due to the shift. Legal teams on both sides will need to scrutinize the language of the existing contract, assess any breach clauses, and determine the feasibility of a renegotiated deal. In the broader context of boxing’s 2026 calendar, the Fury‑Joshua fight is positioned as one of the marquee events that could define the year’s heavyweight landscape.
Other notable bouts are slated throughout the season, and the outcome of the negotiations will influence how promoters schedule subsequent fights, allocate promotional resources, and market the sport to a global audience. Fans can stay updated through various platforms: live streams on Sky Sports, contract‑free viewing via NOW, and weekly discussions on the Toe2Toe podcast, which regularly breaks down the latest developments in the boxing world.
Regardless of where the final venue is decided, the clash between Fury and Joshua promises to be a defining moment for heavyweight boxing, drawing attention from casual viewers and die‑hard enthusiasts alike. The next few weeks will be crucial as promoters, promoters, and the fighters themselves navigate contractual obligations, logistical hurdles, and strategic considerations to bring this long‑awaited battle to fruition.