The highly anticipated boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is set to take place in the UK this November, with Wembley Stadium as the clear favorite venue, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. Hearn, who is confident about the fight's location, believes that the UK is the ideal setting for this historic bout, which will be the biggest fight in British boxing history.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Hearn emphasized the importance of the fight taking place in the UK, stating, "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."
He further added, "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 also discussed the potential venues for the fight, stating that Wembley Stadium is the "clear favorite" to host the event. He mentioned that Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff are also under consideration, but Wembley is the preferred choice.
The fight is scheduled for November, with Hearn suggesting a middle Saturday as the ideal date. However, the plan is subject to the outcomes of the warm-up fights involving Joshua and Fury, which are set for July 25 and August 1, respectively.
Hearn expressed his confidence in Joshua's preparation, stating, "I've never heard Joshua speak so clearly about what he wants to do and his focus in the sport. There's been a lot of pressure over the years. A lot of new businesses, management companies, big sponsorship deals but AJ is a perfectionist. He's always tried to get everything perfect across all his different businesses in and out of the ring and his projects."
He added, "I think it's taken some of his focus away from boxing. I think he's realized now, 'look, I've got one last run at this so I want to give it 110 per cent and full focus' and obviously he's been in training camp with Oleksandr Usyk and that's been a massive plus for him."
Hearn also reflected on the long-awaited showdown between Joshua and Fury, which has been a decade in the making. He mentioned the missed opportunities and the eventual return of Fury, who defeated Makhmudov in London earlier this month.
The promoter expressed his excitement about the upcoming fight, stating, "Conor Benn defeated bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr in their rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last November, leaving Hearn with no doubt AJ-Fury can happen - even in wintry conditions! He joked: 'That fight can take place in the snow - I don't really care, as long as it takes place.'"
In conclusion, Hearn's confidence in the fight's location and the UK's role in boxing history adds to the excitement surrounding the highly anticipated bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
