The much‑anticipated heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is still slated to be confirmed before the end of August, even though discussions are swirling about moving the bout across the Atlantic. New York, and in particular Madison Square Garden, has emerged as the front‑runner for the venue, positioning the two British champions in the heart of America’s most iconic sports arena. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua, has made it clear that while he has not yet signed off on a transatlantic relocation, he remains confident the fight will be nailed down this month.
"At the end of August there will be a press conference," Hearn told Sky Sports News, underscoring the timeline the promoter is aiming for. He added that he cannot categorically rule out a U.S. setting, noting that circumstances can shift quickly in the world of big‑ticket boxing.
"I’m not going to sit here and tell you there’s no way the fight’s happening in America because things can change," Hearn said. "But I really feel strongly that this is something that should happen in the UK and we’ll do all we can." His comments reflect a clear preference for a home‑soil event, a stance that resonates with many British fans who have been waiting years for a domestic clash of this magnitude. According to Hearn, the negotiation dynamics are currently tilted in favor of the United Kingdom. "We’re up against it – it seems like everybody else has agreed but Anthony Joshua.
He feels a little bit of responsibility to UK fight fans as well, and he’s doing everything he can to give them what they want," Hearn explained. This sense of duty to the local audience appears to be a driving factor behind the promoter’s push to keep the fight on British soil, despite the lucrative allure of a New York payday. The speculation surrounding a venue switch has sparked chatter about a possible delay, but Hearn remains upbeat that a fit and ready Joshua will be prepared to step into the ring in November, regardless of where the lights are shining.
"We’re ready to go in November – so there’s no reason for this fight to be delayed," he affirmed. He also hinted at a strategic financial approach: "We will try and make it as financially unviable as possible to do this fight in the US, so that hopefully they just turn around and say, ‘okay, let’s just do it in the UK.’" Hearn’s remarks about New York being the "entertainment capital of the world" were tinged with a hint of sarcasm. "Who cares?
It’s two Brits and the biggest fight in British boxing history. But I understand business," he said, acknowledging the commercial realities that often dictate where marquee bouts end up. Beyond the Fury‑Joshua saga, the broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to fill out, with several high‑profile match‑ups slated throughout the year. Fans can also look forward to streaming options that promise contract‑free access, such as the NOW platform, and weekly podcasts like Toe2Toe that dive deep into the sport’s latest developments.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports is gearing up to broadcast other exciting events, including the IBF world middleweight title clash between Aaron McKenna and Etinosa Oliha in Dublin. In summary, while the exact location of the Fury‑Joshua clash remains a point of negotiation, Eddie Hearn’s confidence that a November showdown will materialise is unwavering.
Whether the fight ultimately lands in the storied halls of Madison Square Garden or under the bright lights of a UK arena, the bout promises to be a historic moment for British heavyweight boxing, delivering a spectacle that fans on both sides of the Atlantic will eagerly anticipate.