Promoter Eddie Hearn says a UK stadium is the frontrunner to host the long-awaited Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury megafight, but he warned that the bout could still be held in the United States or Saudi Arabia.
Both British heavyweights have signed a deal to meet this year to finally settle a rivalry that has simmered for years. While a UK venue would attract huge domestic interest and likely fill any major stadium, Hearn stressed the final decision will be influenced by the paymaster behind the fight.
“I think it [the UK] is probably the frontrunner,” Hearn told Sky Sports, adding that Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh is covering a significant portion of the cost. “He as a fight fan would like the fight to take place in the UK, but I wouldn’t rule out America, I wouldn’t rule out Saudi. We’ll be in the discussion but at the end of the day, it is what it is. They’re paying the bill.”
Hearn said November is the target month for the clash and highlighted several suitable UK venues: Wembley Stadium, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium with its retractable roof, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has hosted major fights before. He acknowledged the November timeframe imposes some logistical limits but insisted the teams will be ready wherever the bout lands.
Ahead of the showdown, both fighters are expected to take tune-up fights. Joshua is due to fight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25, while Hearn anticipates Fury will also have a warm-up bout in early August. Hearn cautioned that Prenga, with 20 knockouts in 21 wins, is no walkover and that Joshua must be focused.
“Everybody just presumes AJ will walk through Prenga but he’s a decent fighter… you’ve got to be switched on for it,” Hearn said, calling the summer schedule “two nail-biters back to back” before the main event preparation.
With negotiations ongoing and financial backers proposing venues, Hearn said promoters and fighters will continue discussions in the coming weeks but indicated the ultimate choice will reflect where the commercial package and the backers see the most sense for a November show.