Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has reaffirmed that the contract for the proposed heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury requires the fight to be staged in the United Kingdom.
Hearn dismissed speculation that the highly anticipated all-British clash could be moved to the United States, maintaining that Wembley Stadium remains the leading candidate to host the bout in November.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said the agreement governing the fight clearly specifies a UK venue, although he acknowledged that discussions could take place if a different location is proposed.
“The contract is very clear. It specifically states the fight must take place in the UK. We also understand that Turki Alalshikh is paying for the fight, so if he comes up with a plan to stage the fight somewhere else, there will be a sensible conversation and a renegotiation of that contract if we want to move forward with that.
“The reason that clause was in the contract in the first place was because we all want the fight to take place in the UK. It’s the biggest fight in the history of British boxing, and I know there’s talk of Las Vegas and stuff like this, but I just think it would be a shame not to stage this fight in Britain.”
Hearn added that the final decision on the venue ultimately rests with Turki Alalshikh, who is financing the event, but stressed that both Joshua and Fury have contractual preferences for the contest to be held in the UK.
“The fight will take place really where Turki Alalshikh wants it to take place. However, if that is outside the UK there will have to be another conversation with myself, with Anthony Joshua, and I believe with Tyson Fury, who has the same request in his contract for a fight in the UK.”
While no official date has been confirmed, Hearn said plans remain on course for the fight to take place in November.
“No confirmed date yet but the plan for the fight is to take place in November, so pick your Saturday in November.
“I think middle Saturday in November is a good shout, but again, we’ve got to get though Prenga and Fury’s fight, which looks like August 1.”
The proposed Joshua-Fury showdown is widely regarded as one of the biggest fights ever involving two British heavyweights and has long been anticipated by boxing fans worldwide.
