Negotiations surrounding the highly anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have entered what insiders are calling a pivotal week, with discussions now focusing on the possibility of staging the heavyweight bout in New York. Both British champions are finally on track to meet in the ring this year, but the official announcement has been delayed while promoters haggle over the venue, and Madison Square Garden is now surfacing as the front‑runner. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua, disclosed that the original contract for the clash stipulated a UK location.
However, recent talks suggest a shift in strategy as optimism grows that the mega‑event could be locked in for later in the calendar year, potentially at the iconic New York arena. Frank Smith, chief executive of Matchroom Boxing, spoke to Sky Sports about the evolving situation.
He acknowledged that a UK setting would be ideal, but emphasized that the primary goal is simply to see the fight happen. "It would be disappointing if it isn’t in the UK, but if moving it to New York guarantees the fight, then we all want that outcome," Smith said.
He added that New York has already been floated as a viable option, noting that Joshua has previously fought there and has competed around the globe. "We are still bound by the terms we initially signed, which called for a UK venue. Those were the conditions when the fight was first announced in March‑April.
But the conversation now includes MSG as a potential site, along with interest from The Ring Magazine and even a Saudi delegation," he explained. Smith believes a November date is realistic, though he cautioned that the next seven to ten days are crucial for finalising logistics. "We need to get the fighters into training camps with an eight‑to‑ten‑week preparation window, free from promotional distractions.
The pressure is on to make that happen within the next week," he said. When asked whether the upcoming week truly is critical, Smith responded unequivocally: "One hundred percent.
It’s never easy to set exact timelines, but the next few days will determine whether we can lock down a date and move forward." Both combatants have been sharpening their skills in recent warm‑up bouts. Fury secured a seventh‑round stoppage over Mariusz Wach, while Joshua rebounded from an early knockdown to knock out Kristian Prenga.
These performances have added momentum to the build‑up and kept fans eager for the ultimate clash. Smith reiterated the organization’s focus: "We’re all concentrated on making this fight a reality. There are still details to iron out, but I’m confident the bout will happen. I’m very confident we’ll see AJ knock out Tyson Fury this year." Fury himself has been feeding the hype, hinting that an official announcement is imminent.
After a promotional clip aired during Netflix’s WWE coverage, Fury posted on Instagram: "Everything is going well. I’ve got some big news that’s going to be dropped very soon. All is good in the hood.
A big fight is on the horizon. It’s the one you’ve all been waiting for and it will be announced imminently, so stay tuned." The potential New York setting adds an extra layer of intrigue. Madison Square Garden, often dubbed "The Mecca of Boxing," would provide a historic backdrop and could attract a massive global audience, especially with the growing interest from international broadcasters and streaming platforms. Moreover, a US venue could open doors to lucrative sponsorship deals and broaden the fight’s commercial appeal beyond the traditional UK market.
Industry analysts note that the shift toward a US location reflects a broader trend of heavyweight mega‑fights seeking to capitalize on the American pay‑per‑view market, which remains the most financially rewarding arena for the sport. If the negotiations succeed, the Fury‑Joshua clash could become the biggest boxing event of the year, rivaling past spectacles such as Fury‑Wilder and Joshua‑Klitschko. In addition to the venue debate, there are logistical considerations regarding the fighters’ training camps. Both camps will need to secure suitable facilities, sparring partners, and medical staff to ensure optimal preparation.
An eight‑to‑ten‑week camp is standard for a fight of this magnitude, allowing each boxer to fine‑tune strategy, conditioning, and weight management. The next steps involve finalising the contract amendments, securing the venue, and confirming the exact date. If all parties align within the critical week, fans could see an official press conference within weeks, followed by a promotional tour that may include appearances on major sports networks, talk shows, and social media platforms.
Should the fight be confirmed for November, it would likely slot into the broader boxing calendar that also features other high‑profile bouts, creating a stacked month of combat sports. This timing could also dovetail with major holidays, boosting viewership and pay‑per‑view purchases.
In summary, the Fury‑Joshua negotiations are at a decisive juncture. While the original agreement called for a UK showdown, the allure of Madison Square Garden and the potential financial upside have shifted the conversation toward New York. With both camps in fighting shape, promoters working around the clock, and a critical week of decision‑making ahead, the boxing world waits anxiously for confirmation that the long‑awaited clash will finally materialise.