A heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is still not inked in the schedule, but the battle to host it is taking shape.
The Athletic has been told by sources with knowledge of negotiations, speaking anonymously to protect their positions, that Las Vegas has emerged as a front runner to host the bout, with other American cities under consideration.
But there is no deal in place yet and crucially, as The Athletic reported last week, Joshua’s contract for the long-awaited fight states the bout must take place in the UK.
That would need to be renegotiated in the coming weeks for the fight to happen in the U.S. but those close to negotiations have not ruled out the possibility.
It is the latest mess surrounding a fight which has been in the works for around eight years. We take a look at why it is now a U.S. v UK battle for the bout.
What needs to happen for Fury to fight Joshua and when would it happen?
The figures involved in setting up the fight are Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Al-Sheikh, Ring Magazine and Saudi entertainment group Sela as well as broadcaster Netflix. Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom are also involved.
There is widespread confidence that the fight will happen, should Joshua and Fury come through warm-up bouts this summer unscathed.
What is outstanding is its date and location, although the latter is now the most important part of the discussion.
Previously, Wembley Stadium in London was considered to be the preferred location but the timing of the fight is also relevant to where it is staged.
The fight is expected to happen in November, although it could yet be pushed back until December, depending on the location. Both are complicated in terms of staging it outdoors in the UK given the weather conditions, but it has not been ruled out.
If it goes to the U.S. and Las Vegas, that gives it more flexibility on timing.
Where does Fury want it to happen?
Fury’s personal preference is not known but his delight at returning to America at the weekend points to him being eager to fight there again.
The British heavyweight had not been in the States since he beat Deontay Wilder for a second time in their third fight in October 2021. Fury’s father, John, alluded to “issues” with being allowed entry into the US in 2022 but Tyson was in Washington, D.C. on Sunday to attend the UFC event at the White House and met with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite attending the event run by Dana White, Fury has not signed a deal with the U.S. promoter’s Zuffa Boxing and Warren remains involved in his career.
“This fight should be in the UK, that’s where the fans wanted it, but there are time constraints, weather issues,” Fury’s manager Spencer Brown told The Athletic. “We need to get it sorted soon, as if it is in the U.S. the fans need to book flights, if it is in the UK, they still need to get time off work.”
Isn’t it contracted to take place in the UK?
Yes. As his promoter Hearn confirmed to The Athletic last week, Joshua’s contract states the bout must take place in the UK. However, figures involved in the negotiations confirmed that the U.S. is now a likely host.
Talks are now expected about agreeing a change to Joshua’s contract but it may take a number of weeks before a decision is made.
Joshua’s contract also states White and Zuffa Boxing cannot be named promoters of the Fury bout, despite Al-Sheikh owning 60 per cent of the company. Again, this could be negotiated.
Netflix would also be happy with the event being held in the U.S. as they believe it could boost viewing figures, although it would mean the bout taking place in the early hours for a UK audience. The streaming giant has been contacted for comment.
How big a fight would it be?
It will have a much bigger interest in the UK. Some involved in talks are surprised about it going to the U.S., given it would easily sell out a stadium in England and generate huge media interest.
Thousands would still be expected to travel across the Atlantic, especially if it was staged in a popular travel destination such as Las Vegas.
Fury has fought in the U.S. six times during his career. His stock was high when he knocked out American Wilder in 2021 in a highly entertaining contest but it has dropped since.
Joshua knocked out YouTube star Jake Paul in Miami in December, but he is not considered a household name in America.
It will still be a big event, but it would not be as well-received as it would be in the UK.
