Top boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has insisted that the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury must take place in the United Kingdom, saying both parties agreed to that condition when the fight contract was signed three months ago.
The comments come amid reports that Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh wants to stage the blockbuster bout, expected in October or November, at a venue that would attract the biggest global audience.
Although Wembley Stadium remains the preferred venue, hosting the fight there at a time suitable for worldwide television audiences could require an exemption from the stadium's curfew restrictions. There have also been reports suggesting Madison Square Garden in New York as a possible alternative.
However, Hearn made it clear that Joshua only agreed to fight Fury in the UK and that any change of venue would require fresh negotiations.
“There’s a reason we put contracts together. We insisted that this fight was in the UK. I know that AJ will sometimes want to be a little bit of a peacekeeper, but the reality is he said to me, ‘I want the fight in the UK. This is a British fight’. I can’t agree more.”
He praised Alalshikh for his support of Joshua but maintained that the agreement remains legally binding.
“Turki Alalshikh is our partner and has been an unbelievable supporter of Anthony Joshua. We would have conversations, but the only way the fight doesn’t take place in England is if Anthony Joshua and myself agree to it because we have a legally binding contract that took a long, long time to negotiate. Let’s be honest, this is a fight for the British public.”
Hearn's comments came after Joshua strengthened his chances of facing Fury by stopping Kristian Prenga in the second round of their fight in Jeddah on Saturday.
Joshua also made it clear that Wembley Stadium remains his preferred venue for the long-awaited clash.
“When these conversations started, there was no other venue or location that was ever mentioned. It was simple. This is the road map. You fight, come back, fight, and then providing you’re victorious, you’ll be fighting Tyson Fury in the UK, basically Wembley.”
The former world heavyweight champion added that, with all due respect to other stadiums, Wembley is the natural stage for such a historic all-British showdown.
“I wouldn’t expect it to be at Tottenham or the Principality Stadium, respectfully. It’s just got that history when you think of Wembley.”
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