Joshua, Fury fight hits stumbling block

The blockbuster heavyweight boxing bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is reportedly encountering significant hurdles, with promoter Frank Warren admitting the fight could be delayed if the camps fail to agree on a venue. Warren, who co-promotes Fury, expressed confidence that the "Battle of Britain" will still take place in November, but acknowledged that the location remains a contentious issue.

Wembley Stadium was initially considered the prime location, but disputes over the proposed start time have shifted focus to Madison Square Garden in New York. Saudi boxing official Turki Alalshikh reportedly favors the New York venue for its wider global reach. This development follows recent comments from Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, who threatened to call off the fight entirely if a New York venue was announced without prior agreement, insisting on staging the bout on home soil as per their contract.

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They’re either going to agree to it or not. If they don’t agree to it, then the fight won’t happen.

Warren countered Hearn's stance, stating that Fury's contractual position differs and that the fight will proceed regardless of the disagreement. He explained that Fury signed for the contest in January, with an initial September date later postponed. A planned warm-up fight for Fury was canceled after Joshua experienced a personal tragedy, delaying preparations for the main bout.

Both fighters have recently returned to the ring in tune-up matches. Fury defeated Mariusz Wach in Thailand, while Joshua overcame an early knockdown to stop Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Despite these tune-ups, the venue dispute persists, with Hearn reportedly aiming to make a New York move financially unattractive to organizers, while Warren maintains Fury's camp is committed to the fight happening.

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Tyson Fury has his agreement, which states something different. The fight will happen.