The ongoing swirl of rumors and speculation about the Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury fight has clearly frustrated Turki Alalshikh.
After years of delays, the highly anticipated showdown between the two former heavyweight champions—seen by many as one of the biggest fights in British boxing history—is finally progressing. However, before the fight even takes place, discussions around the potential venue and promotional disagreements have dominated the conversation. The continuous bickering and online chatter appear to have exasperated Alalshikh, who has recently spoken about trying to broker peace between the conflicting parties involved with the matchup.
“Till now I have not decided yet where the fight will take place and will work with me. Some people are making up stories about it,” Alalshikh stated. “If you want to know the facts, take it from me or the ring. If you want to waste your time, listen to others… I think you have tried me all past years, and you know that whatever I say, I do.”
Alalshikh’s frustration is rooted in rumors suggesting that the Fury-Joshua fight might be held in Las Vegas. Comments made by Dana White, hinting that he would oversee the fight instead of the usual promoters, only fueled the speculation further.
“Have they announced where that fight is? No. I know where it is. Call Eddie right now and ask him if he knows where the fight is. Call Eddie and ask him who negotiated the contract for the fight. It wasn’t him,” Alalshikh said following an event in Bournemouth.
These statements intensified the belief that the fight could take place in the United States rather than in the United Kingdom. Names like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and MGM Grand in Las Vegas have surfaced as possible venues.
Eddie Hearn, head of Matchroom Sport, has added uncertainty to the venue debate. He mentioned that adverse weather conditions in the U.K. towards the end of the year, when the fight is expected, could prompt a change in location, with the U.S. being a likely alternative.
Hearn also noted that holding the fight in the United States might require contractual adjustments. While acknowledging much speculation about the venue, he emphasized that no official decision had been announced and that current agreements favor hosting the fight in Britain.
Besides logistical and contractual concerns, the venue discussion has sparked strong backlash among fans and experts.
Controversy Over Potential U.S. Venue for Fury vs. Joshua
Criticism of the fight possibly being held outside the U.K. has grown louder. Some blame both Joshua and Fury for entertaining financial incentives that might motivate relocating the bout overseas despite their strong fan bases at home.
Opponents argue that such a move would be hard to justify, as British supporters would face significant challenges including travel expenses and inconvenient broadcast times. These factors could unfairly disadvantage the loyal audience most connected to the fighters.
It would not only be perceived as unfair but also disrespectful to their dedicated fanbase.
That said, there are precedents of British fighters competing outside their home country, such as Lennox Lewis defending his title in Nevada in 1997.
Additionally, recent involvement by Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season in staging major fights in the U.K. — including the AJ versus Daniel Dubois fight in September 2024 and the Usyk-Dubois clash at Wembley Stadium last year — demonstrate alternative successful approaches.
With Alalshikh clarifying that the final decision regarding the Fury vs. Joshua venue lies with him or The Ring, focus now shifts to upcoming developments.
These include Joshua’s return against Kristian Prenga, which many see as a warm-up for the Fury fight. Fury, having already fought this year against Arslanbek Makhmudov, is also seeking an opponent for his own preparatory bout.
For now, both heavyweight contenders must concentrate on their immediate matches. After such a prolonged wait, any misstep could jeopardize the chances of the much-anticipated fight actually materializing at this stage of their careers.