The much‑anticipated heavyweight duel between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua appears to be edging closer to a United States setting, despite earlier plans that positioned the fight on British soil. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua, disclosed that Turki Alalshikh—who has been spearheading the all‑British showdown—has recently shifted his preference toward staging the bout across the Atlantic.
Alalshikh had originally insisted that the encounter be timed to suit a worldwide audience, even suggesting negotiations with London’s mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, to allow a later‑than‑usual start time that would accommodate fans in different time zones. However, recent reports from Sky Sports News indicate that Brent Council has not yet been approached about loosening the curfew at Wembley Stadium, a move that would be necessary to permit a 2 a.m.
ring‑walk should the fight remain in London. In a pre‑fight interview with DAZN ahead of Joshua’s warm‑up contest against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia, Hearn said, “Within the last 24 hours we’ve been told that the preferred location is now America. That conflicts with the contract we signed, which clearly stipulates a UK venue. Until we are satisfied, we expect every clause of that agreement to be honoured.
I genuinely believe this fight should happen in the United Kingdom.” He added, “Anthony Joshua has made it clear that the contract obliges the fight to be held in the UK. If the promoters want to amend that, we will need to renegotiate, which is not an issue in itself, but it is a conversation that must take place.” Meanwhile, Fury has expressed skepticism that Joshua will ultimately consent to a fight on foreign soil, questioning whether his rival possesses the courage to step into the ring with him.
Speaking after a seventh‑round technical knockout of Mariusz Wach in a non‑televised bout in Thailand, the 37‑year‑old champion referenced Joshua’s decision not to meet him in the ring after Fury’s own victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April. Fury remarked, “I’ve passed my test. Now let’s see if Anthony can pass his. The biggest test, though, is whether he’s got the balls to do it.
In Tottenham, in front of 70,000 fans, he never showed the nerve to face me. I’m not convinced he’ll ever do it.” He went on to say, “I’ll regroup, and hopefully the next major contract is signed next week. Then we’ll see where we end up—Vegas, New York, Ireland, London, maybe Belfast, or even here in Pattaya, Thailand.” The back‑and‑forth over the venue highlights the complex logistics that surround a fight of this magnitude.
A U.S. location would likely bring in a larger pay‑per‑view audience and higher gate receipts, given the American market’s appetite for heavyweight spectacles.
However, a UK setting would satisfy the contractual obligations already in place and honor the expectations of British fans who have been promised a home‑grown clash between two of their own. Negotiations are further complicated by the involvement of multiple stakeholders: Alalshikh’s Saudi‑backed promotional interests, Hearn’s British promotional firm Matchroom, the fighters’ personal management teams, and the governing bodies that must sanction the bout.
Each party has its own financial and strategic priorities, and any shift in venue would require amendments to existing contracts, adjustments to broadcast rights, and potentially new agreements with local authorities regarding security, curfew restrictions, and ticketing. If the fight does move to the United States, the most likely cities being floated are Las Vegas and New York, both of which have a storied history of hosting heavyweight title fights and possess the infrastructure to accommodate a global audience.
Las Vegas, in particular, offers a glamorous backdrop and a proven track record of generating massive revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and ancillary events. Conversely, keeping the bout in the United Kingdom would mean navigating the curfew issue at Wembley, where a late‑night start could clash with local regulations.
The possibility of extending the curfew would require negotiations with Brent Council and possibly the Greater London Authority. If an agreement cannot be reached, alternative venues such as the O2 Arena in London or even a stadium in Belfast could be explored, though each comes with its own set of logistical challenges. Beyond the venue debate, both fighters are actively preparing for what could be the defining moment of their careers. Fury, after his win over Wach, has emphasized his desire to cement his legacy by defeating Joshua, whom he sees as the only remaining obstacle to undisputed heavyweight supremacy.
Joshua, on the other hand, is focused on maintaining his champion status and proving that he can overcome the British heavyweight who has repeatedly taunted him in the media. The promotional narrative is also shaping public perception. Hearn has framed the contract dispute as a matter of principle, insisting that the original agreement must be respected, while Alalshikh has positioned the move to the U.S. as a strategic decision to maximize global viewership and revenue.
Fury’s outspoken comments add a layer of personal rivalry, casting the fight as a test of bravery as much as skill. As the weeks progress, fans can expect more statements from both camps, possible press conferences, and perhaps a formal announcement outlining the final terms of the agreement. Whether the showdown lands in a glittering Vegas arena, a historic London stadium, or an unexpected location like Pattaya, the stakes remain sky‑high for both combatants. The boxing world will be watching closely, and the eventual decision will likely set a precedent for how future high‑profile bouts are negotiated across borders, balancing contractual fidelity with commercial ambition.
Until a definitive venue is confirmed, speculation will continue, and the anticipation for what could be one of the biggest heavyweight fights of the decade only grows stronger.