Potential venue for Joshua-Fury fight
Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York is being considered as a potential host for a fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, according to Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. Hearn stated on Friday night that MSG is the preferred choice of several key figures, including Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Al-Sheikh, WWE president and TKO board member Nick Khan, and the streaming service Netflix.
This development comes as both Joshua and Fury are preparing for upcoming fights. Joshua is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on Saturday night in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Fury, meanwhile, is set to fight Mariusz Wach. These bouts are described as crucial final warm-ups before a potential clash between the two British heavyweights.
Hearn mentioned that an offer has been made by MSG to host the fight. The aim, he added, would be to schedule the event for 3:00 AM UK time, which would correspond to 10:00 PM in the U.S. Eastern Time zone. This timing is reportedly favoured by Netflix, which believes it would attract a larger audience in the U.S. during prime time.
Contractual considerations and location preferences
Despite the interest in a U.S. venue, Hearn emphasised that Joshua’s current contract stipulates the fight must be held in the UK. He indicated that if the location were to change, a new agreement would be necessary. Hearn noted that there are already aspects of the contract that have not been adhered to, though he did not specify details beyond the potential change of venue.
The promoter explained that moving the fight to the U.S. presents two main issues. Firstly, there is a strong sentiment that London, as Joshua’s hometown, would be the ideal location for the fight due to his significant local support. Secondly, the financial implications, particularly regarding tax positions for both fighters, would differ if the fight were held abroad, impacting their net earnings.
Hearn stated that while financial considerations are part of the discussion, the principle and Joshua’s preference for a UK fight are paramount. He highlighted that Joshua specifically requested the fight to be in the UK, which is why it is included in the contract. Hearn also indicated that Turki Al-Sheikh, a partner in these discussions, means the fight is not off, but a contract change requires negotiation.
Turki Al-Sheikh is known for making significant boxing announcements via his social media channels, sometimes before formal revelations by promoters. However, Hearn remains firm that a new deal must be established before any official relocation of the fight to the U.S. He described the venue change as a “material breach” of the existing agreement.
Reliability of the fighters and upcoming bouts
Hearn also addressed concerns raised by Tyson Fury regarding the likelihood of the fight happening. Fury recently expressed doubts about the all-British heavyweight battle, suggesting he might face “somebody else” later in the year. Hearn countered these claims by asserting that Anthony Joshua has a consistent record of fulfilling his fight commitments, unlike Fury.
Hearn pointed to Joshua’s history, stating that he has never withdrawn from a signed fight. He described Joshua as having a “solid resume” and a “professional attitude.” In contrast, Hearn suggested that Fury has a track record of withdrawing from fights, making him the greater “flight risk.” He recalled an instance where Fury pulled out of a previously signed fight against Joshua due to an arbitration ruling involving Deontay Wilder.
Joshua, ahead of his fight with Kristian Prenga, expressed his ambition to “conquer the earth and then the universe.” He chose not to discuss Fury extensively, to avoid disrespecting his upcoming opponent. Joshua also stated he would not be concerned if Fury were ringside for his bout.
Hearn believes that Fury’s doubts might be a tactic, part of his “mind games” to get into Joshua’s head before the fight. He anticipates an “epic” build-up to the potential clash, describing it as “spicy, funny and compelling” due to the contrasting personalities of the two fighters. Hearn’s primary concern for the fight’s occurrence in November is the possibility of either boxer sustaining a defeat or injury in their respective upcoming matches this weekend.
Regarding Joshua’s opponent, Kristian Prenga, Hearn urged caution, noting that all 20 of Prenga’s professional victories have come by knockout. He emphasised that while Joshua is a strong finisher, Prenga is a “dangerous” opponent who could pose a significant challenge. Joshua’s discipline and focus will be crucial in his fight against Prenga on Saturday night in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Source: nytimes.com
