Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury UK fight demands new terms for US move
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are contractually bound to fight in the UK, and any attempt to relocate the bout to the United States will require a complete renegotiation of terms, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
The Matchroom Boxing chairman, who represents the two-time unified champion, insists the heavyweight clash remains entirely on track for a British venue.
Despite growing speculation that Las Vegas could host the highly anticipated contest, no formal request has been made by Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.
“If he comes to me and says, I want to do the fight in America for this reason, we’ll all be very disappointed because I don’t think there’s a person on the planet that doesn’t think this fight should take place in the UK.”
Financial hurdles and contract renegotiations
Alalshikh is financing the event, giving the Saudi official significant leverage over its ultimate location.
“But he’s paying the bill and the bill is extortionate. So you’ve got to find a way to make it work.”
“So, if they want to change anything in the contract, we have to renegotiate the contract and start again.”
The veteran British heavyweights, aged 36 and 37 respectively, have circled each other for years in a rivalry that has defined an era of cross-over boxing appeal.
White and Zuffa Boxing rejected as promoters
Hearn firmly dismissed recent claims from UFC president Dana White regarding his involvement in the blockbuster event.
Zuffa Boxing currently holds no official promotional role unless the former Olympic gold medallist formally agrees to an altered contract.
“The contract clearly states that Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, or anyone associated, cannot be the promoters of this.”
Neither Matchroom nor Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions can act as the sole lead promoter to ensure complete neutrality for both fighters.
Interim bouts threaten 2026 super-fight
Warren indicated earlier this week that key stakeholders will meet shortly to finalise the highly anticipated date and venue.
Hearn expects these discussions to conclude next week, though immediate ring assignments pose the biggest threat to the 2026 mega-fight.
The Londoner faces Kristian Prenga on 25 July, while the ‘Gypsy King’ is scheduled for an interim bout mooted for 1 August.
“I’m 100% confident it happens in 2026 unless someone gets beat.”
