Promoter Eddie Hearn announced on May 22, 2026, that a United Kingdom stadium is the leading candidate to host the heavyweight boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, despite ongoing negotiations and contract disagreements between the two camps.
According to Sky Sports and BBC Sport, the long-awaited clash faces scheduling and location decisions, alongside conflicting claims regarding the completion of the bout agreement.
British Venues Lead the Race
Hearn indicated that while British venues remain the primary choice for the autumn event, alternative international locations are still under consideration due to financial backing from Saudi Arabia.
"I think it [the UK] is probably the frontrunner but again at the end of the day both fighters are receiving a huge, huge amount of money and [Saudi financier] Turki Alalshikh is paying the bill," said Hearn, the promoter for Matchroom Boxing.
The promoter noted that potential British venues include Wembley Stadium, Cardiff's Principality Stadium, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though winter weather limits outdoor options.
"He's got to look at where that fight's going to make sense.
I think him as a fight fan would like the fight to take place in the UK but I wouldn't rule out America, I wouldn't rule out Saudi," Hearn said.
November Target with Interim Fights
Hearn confirmed that the event is targeted for November, following scheduled interim bouts for both fighters during the summer.
"November is the date for Fury against AJ," Hearn noted.
Joshua is scheduled to fight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25, while Fury is expected to take a separate tune-up fight in early August.
"[Turki Alalshikh's team] are putting a few thoughts in our minds about a potential venue and it is up to them.
They're paying the bill," Hearn said.
Hearn emphasized that Joshua cannot look past his upcoming opponent despite the looming Fury mega-fight.
"I'm sure they'd love the fight to take place in the UK.
Obviously it is in November, it does limit you slightly but wherever that fight lands we'll be ready," Hearn said.
Prenga a Dangerous Hurdle
Prenga enters the July bout with a notable knockout record, making him a dangerous hurdle for Joshua's championship plans.
"Everybody just presumes AJ will walk through Prenga but he's a decent fighter.
He's not an elite world class guy but he's got 20 knockouts in 21 wins and he's looking at it thinking: 'Blimey, I chin Anthony Joshua, I've cracked it.'
So you've got to be switched on for it," Hearn said.
The consecutive summer fight dates create a high-stakes environment for both promotional teams.
"It's two nail-biters back to back because you've got July 25 and then [potentially] August 1 but we're just focused on Prenga and doing the job," Hearn added.
The promoter concluded that the heavyweights will turn their full attention toward each other once the summer obligations are fulfilled.
"Then everyone will be ready," Hearn said.
Contract Disputes Persist
Meanwhile, the contract status remains disputed as Team Fury claims their paperwork is complete, while Joshua has yet to sign following his recent public confrontations with Fury.
"He didn't want the smoke. He came ringside to make the fight.
If it was me, I'd have jumped in the ring.
Ten years in the making and still there's uncertainty if it's going to happen next," said Fury, the heavyweight boxer.
Fury expressed ultimate frustration with the promotional delays, threatening retirement if the Joshua matchup falls through.
"We've all had problems — that's life. Taking interim fights, you can get chinned by anyone," Fury said.
