Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, has reaffirmed that the proposed heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is contractually bound to take place in the United Kingdom, dismissing suggestions that the bout could be relocated to the United States.
Amid growing speculation over a possible overseas venue, Hearn maintained that Wembley Stadium in London remains the frontrunner to host the long-awaited all-British contest, which is being targeted for November.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said the agreement reached by both camps clearly outlines where the fight should be held, leaving little ambiguity over the venue.
“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.
“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.”
Hearn further revealed that a final date has yet to be agreed upon, although current discussions are focused on staging the fight 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 promoter indicated that preparations for the blockbuster encounter remain ongoing, with attention also on upcoming commitments involving both fighters before any official announcement is made.
