The much‑anticipated heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is increasingly appearing to be slated for the United States rather than a British arena. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua, disclosed that Turki Al‑Alshikh – the Saudi official who is spearheading the all‑British bout – has now expressed a preference for staging the fight on American soil. Al‑Alshikh had previously emphasized his desire for a date and location that would accommodate a worldwide television audience, even suggesting negotiations with London’s mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, to allow a later‑than‑usual start time for the event.
Those talks, however, have hit a snag. Sky Sports News reported earlier in the week that Brent Council has not yet been approached about extending the curfew at Wembley Stadium to permit a ring‑walk as late as 2 a.m., a logistical hurdle that could make a London venue impractical.
In a pre‑fight interview with DAZN ahead of Joshua’s warm‑up bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, Hearn said, “We were told in the last 24 hours that they now want the fight to be in America. That doesn’t line up with the contract we signed.
Until we are satisfied, we expect every clause of that contract to be honoured. I feel the fight should still be held in the UK.” According to Hearn, Joshua’s own contract explicitly states that the encounter must take place on British soil. He added, “If they want to amend the contract, then we will have to renegotiate.
That’s not an issue in principle, but it is a conversation we need to have.” Fury, meanwhile, remains skeptical that Joshua will acquiesce to a venue change and has openly questioned whether his rival possesses the courage to meet him in the ring. After a seventh‑round technical knockout of Mariusz Wach in a non‑televised bout in Thailand on Friday, the 37‑year‑old British champion referenced the missed opportunity when Joshua declined to fight him following Fury’s victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April. Fury said, “I passed my test.
Let’s see if Anthony passes 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 step into the ring with me.
Let’s see if he ever does. I’m not convinced.” He went on to speculate about possible locations for the eventual showdown, noting, “I’ll regroup. Hopefully the next big fight is signed next week and we head wherever we’re going to head.
Is it going to be Vegas? New York? Ireland? London?
Who knows, maybe Belfast? It could even be here in Pattaya, Thailand!” The shifting venue debate underscores the complex web of contractual obligations, broadcasting considerations, and logistical constraints that surround a fight of this magnitude. A United States location would likely open the door to larger gate revenues, a broader pay‑per‑view market, and the allure of iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden or the T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Conversely, a UK setting would preserve the narrative of an all‑British heavyweight showdown, satisfy local fans, and honor the original agreement that both fighters signed.
Stakeholders are also weighing the impact on the broader boxing calendar. A US‑based bout could clash with other major events, potentially forcing broadcasters to shuffle schedules. The curfew issue at Wembley is a tangible example of how local regulations can influence decisions; extending a curfew to accommodate a 2 a.m. start time would require council approval, police cooperation, and possibly additional security measures, all of which add layers of complexity and cost.
From a promotional standpoint, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing has built a substantial UK fanbase around Joshua, while Tyson Fury’s management has cultivated a global following that thrives on high‑profile fights in major markets. The decision on where to stage the fight will therefore affect marketing strategies, ticket pricing, and sponsorship deals. Both fighters have expressed a desire to see the bout happen soon, but the negotiations remain fluid. Fury’s recent comments suggest he is prepared to travel wherever the agreement lands, while Hearn insists that any deviation from the original contract must be formally renegotiated.
The next few weeks are likely to see intense back‑and‑forth between the promoters, the Saudi organizers, and the respective legal teams. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting a definitive answer.
Whether the clash will finally materialise in a packed London arena, a glittering Las Vegas casino, or an unexpected locale like Pattaya, the stakes are high for both heavyweight champions. The outcome will not only determine the next title holder but also set a precedent for how cross‑continental heavyweight bouts are arranged in the modern era.
In the meantime, boxing enthusiasts can keep up with other upcoming fights, such as Edgar Berlanga versus Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins versus Ricardo Salas, both slated for a Sunday night broadcast on Sky Sports. For those without a traditional contract, the NOW streaming platform offers a contract‑free way to watch the action live.