The talks surrounding a potential showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have entered what promoters are calling a "critical week," with discussions now focusing on the possibility of staging the heavyweight bout in New York City. Both British champions are expected to finally meet inside the squared circle before the year ends, but the official announcement has been held up while the parties negotiate the location. Madison Square Garden has risen to the top of the shortlist, and the venue’s iconic status is adding fresh momentum to the negotiations.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua, explained that the original agreement signed earlier this year stipulated a UK‑based fight. However, as the calendar tightens and fan demand grows, the negotiating tables have reopened to explore a trans‑Atlantic option. Hearn noted that while the contract initially called for a British venue, the evolving landscape of the sport and the commercial appeal of a New York showdown have prompted both camps to consider a shift. Frank Smith, chief executive of Matchroom Boxing, gave Sky Sports his perspective on the situation.
He acknowledged that a fight in the United Kingdom would be the ideal scenario for British fans, but he also stressed that the primary goal is to see the two heavyweights finally clash. "It would be disappointing if it weren’t in the UK, but if moving it to New York means the fight actually happens, then we all want that," Smith said.
He highlighted that Joshua has previously fought in New York and has a global fighting résumé, making the city a logical alternative. Smith reiterated that the current contractual framework still points to a UK fight, as that was the basis for the original signing in March‑April. Nevertheless, he confirmed that conversations are now actively exploring Madison Square Garden as a potential host. He mentioned that other parties, including representatives from The Ring Magazine and a Saudi delegation, are also part of the dialogue, indicating a broad coalition of interests behind the event.
Regarding timing, Smith suggested that a November date remains feasible, though it would require swift progress in the next seven to ten days. He explained that both fighters need an eight‑to‑ten‑week training camp free from promotional duties to prepare adequately. "The pressure is on over the next week to get it done," he added, emphasizing the urgency of finalising logistics, contracts, and broadcast arrangements.
When asked if the upcoming week truly constitutes a "critical" period, Smith answered unequivocally, "100 per cent." He cautioned that setting exact timeframes is always tricky, but the next few days will determine whether the bout can be locked in for later this year. Both camps have been active in the ring recently: Fury earned a seventh‑round stoppage over Mariusz Wach, while Joshua rebounded from an early knockdown to knock out Kristian Prenga, reinforcing their readiness for a marquee clash. Smith expressed confidence that the fight will materialise, stating, "We're all focused on making it happen. There are still details to iron out, but I’m very confident we will see that fight, and I even think AJ could knock out Tyson this year." His optimism reflects the broader sentiment among promoters, broadcasters, and fans who have been waiting for a definitive answer.
Fury himself has been feeding the anticipation on social media. In a recent Instagram post, he hinted that a major announcement was "imminent," following a Netflix promo that aired during WWE coverage with a tagline promising the event was "coming soon." Fury wrote, "Everything is going well. I’ve got some big news going to be dropped very soon.
All is good in the hood. Big fight on the horizon.
It’s the one you’ve all been waiting for, about to be announced imminently, so stay tuned." The potential New York venue adds a layer of intrigue beyond the usual UK‑centric narrative. Madison Square Garden, often dubbed "The Mecca of Boxing," would provide a historic backdrop and could attract a global audience, boosting pay‑per‑view buys and sponsorship deals. Moreover, a US location might simplify certain broadcast rights, especially for American networks eager to showcase a heavyweight clash featuring two of the sport's biggest names. However, moving the fight overseas also raises logistical challenges.
Visa arrangements, travel schedules, and tax implications for both fighters and their teams must be resolved quickly. Additionally, the UK fan base, which has been vocal about wanting the bout on home soil, may feel short‑changed if the fight is relocated.
Promoters will need to balance these concerns with the commercial upside of a New York spectacle. In summary, the next week will likely determine whether Fury and Joshua finally meet, and if they do, whether the historic showdown will take place under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden or remain a British‑based event.
The negotiations are intense, the stakes are high, and the boxing world watches with bated breath as both camps work to lock down the final details. Stay tuned for what could become one of the most talked‑about heavyweight bouts of the decade.