US likely to host Joshua vs Fury bout, angering fans

The long-awaited boxing showdown between British rivals Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is reportedly heading to the United States, with Madison Square Garden in New York emerging as the leading contender to host the bout. Netflix, which is involved in steering negotiations, appears to favor a US venue over the United Kingdom.

Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix stated it is "almost certain" the fight will occur stateside, with Netflix targeting a Friday night slot, a departure from the traditional Saturday for major British boxing events. November 20 is a considered date, partly to avoid clashing with American college football.

Both fighters secured wins last month to keep the blockbuster clash alive. Fury defeated Mariusz Wach in Thailand, while Joshua knocked out Kristian Prenga in Jeddah after an early knockdown. The fight's purse is estimated to exceed £100 million.

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It’s not complicated. It’s money. This is the biggest slap in the face of British boxing fans that you could possibly make.

Promoter Eddie Hearn had previously insisted his contract with Joshua mandated a UK venue. However, Saudi official Turki Alalshikh, a key negotiator, reportedly favors a US location to maximize the American television audience. This prospect has angered fans on both sides of the Atlantic, with many believing the fight, over a decade in the making, should be held at Wembley Stadium.

Mannix described the potential decision as a "slap in the face of British boxing fans." Meanwhile, Joshua's former training partner, Richard Riakporhe, revealed that the two-time world champion has been preparing for a Fury fight intermittently for five years, as previous attempts to arrange the bout twice failed. A definitive date and venue are yet to be officially confirmed.

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There has been some murmuring of the fight taking place in the US. The contract specifically states that the fight must take place in the UK.