Fresh uncertainty has emerged over the location of the long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, despite both fighters moving a step closer to meeting later this year.
While Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh is reportedly exploring options to maximize the fight’s worldwide audience, Joshua’s camp says the agreement signed several months ago clearly states the contest will be staged in the United Kingdom.
The clash is widely expected to take place in either October or November, provided final arrangements remain on track.
Eddie Hearn Stands Firm on Existing Contract
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has made it clear that relocating the fight would require more than a simple change of plans.
According to Hearn, the contract negotiated between both sides specifically guarantees that the event will be held on British soil.
He stressed that months of legal discussions went into finalizing the agreement and that those terms cannot simply be ignored.
Hearn also noted that Joshua personally wanted the fight to remain in the UK, believing the occasion deserves to be celebrated in front of British fans who have waited years for the rivalry to become reality.
Overseas Alternatives Spark Debate
Although Wembley Stadium has long been viewed as the natural destination, reports suggest Madison Square Garden in New York has emerged as a preferred alternative for Alalshikh.
Another proposal reportedly involves staging the fight at Wembley with a 2 a.m. local start time to suit international television audiences.
However, such a plan would require special permission because of the stadium’s existing curfew restrictions.
The differing ideas have fueled speculation that negotiations over the venue may not be completely settled despite the fight agreement already being signed.
Hearn Open to Talks but Not at Any Cost
Despite rejecting suggestions that the venue can be changed freely, Hearn emphasized that discussions with Alalshikh would remain respectful given the strong relationship between the Saudi official and Joshua’s team.
However, he maintained that any move away from England would only happen if both Joshua and his management agreed to amend the legally binding contract.
For now, Hearn insists there is nothing left to negotiate regarding the fight itself, saying the contest has already been finalized and attention should remain on delivering the event as originally planned.
Joshua Says Wembley Is the Right Stage
Anthony Joshua also believes the historic bout belongs in Britain, arguing that the legacy of both heavyweights would be strengthened by fighting at Wembley Stadium.
The former two-time world champion revealed that when discussions first began, no overseas venues were mentioned.
Instead, the expectation from the outset was that both fighters would win their preparatory bouts before meeting at England’s national stadium.
Joshua added that Wembley carries unmatched significance for British boxing and said he never expected alternatives such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium or international venues to enter the conversation.
Heavyweight Rivals Stay on Course
Both fighters recently strengthened the prospect of finally sharing the ring.
Joshua secured an impressive second-round stoppage victory over Kristian Prenga, while Fury defeated Poland’s Mariusz Wach just a day earlier in Thailand.
Those victories have kept the highly anticipated all-British showdown firmly on schedule.
With both camps now focused on final preparations, attention is shifting toward confirming the official venue for what many believe will become one of the biggest fights in British boxing history.
