Eddie Hearn threatens to cancel Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury bout
Promoter Eddie Hearn has warned that Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated bout against Tyson Fury will be cancelled if investors unilaterally announce New York as the host city instead of the contracted United Kingdom venue.
The long-awaited clash between the two British heavyweights is currently scheduled to take place later this year.
However, major broadcasting partner Netflix and the event’s Saudi Arabian financial backers are heavily pushing for a Madison Square Garden showcase on 20 November.
Hearn remains adamant that both he and his fighter want the spectacle to remain at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Pressure mounts from international broadcasters
The Matchroom Boxing chairman revealed the intense behind-the-scenes negotiations during a recent podcast appearance.
He explained that global partners are demanding a United States setting to maximise commercial revenue.
“Everybody wants to do the fight in New York, apart from Anthony Joshua and me,” Hearn stated.
The experienced promoter acknowledged the immense financial leverage held by Saudi sports chief Turki Alshikh.
“We’re being told by Turki Alshikh and those guys – Netflix particularly – ‘Look, we really want to do the fight in the US,'” Hearn added.
Contractual disputes and firm ultimatums
The original agreement explicitly states that the historic showdown must unfold on British soil.
Hearn insists he will not allow external figures from sporting conglomerates like TKO and Zuffa to alter the existing terms without formal renegotiation.
“We wouldn’t have signed the contract if the fight was in America, so we have to have a discussion around that,” he explained.
The 45-year-old executive confirmed he has already rejected written notices attempting to officially declare the North American location.
Threat of total cancellation
Should international stakeholders proceed with a Madison Square Garden announcement, the Joshua camp is prepared to walk away entirely.
“I promise you, if they announce that fight without an agreement in place to change the venue, there will be no fight, and we ain’t bluffing,” warned Hearn.
A collapse of this magnitude would severely disappoint domestic fans who have waited years to see the fierce rivals share a ring.
Negotiations remain ongoing to find a compromise that satisfies the enormous financial investments while respecting the original contractual boundaries.