Matchroom Boxing’s CEO has pointed out a significant hurdle in the negotiations for the much-anticipated super-fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, putting the potential bout in jeopardy.
Earlier this year, the two leading British heavyweights agreed to finally face each other, after a planned fight five years ago fell apart. However, new complications have emerged once again. Joshua’s contract specifies that the fight should take place in the UK, whereas Fury’s agreement allows for flexibility in location. Fury and some influential figures are advocating for a November 20 fight at Madison Square Garden in New York City, but Joshua remains firm in his preference for Wembley Stadium in London.
Frank Smith of Matchroom discussed the issue with Playbook Boxing, highlighting the difficulty in managing the narrative surrounding the negotiations. He expressed disappointment if the fight isn’t held in the UK but acknowledged the challenges if it moves to the US. Smith said that if the fight happens in New York, many will view Joshua as having surrendered, yet if it doesn’t happen at all, Fury’s camp will claim Joshua is avoiding the fight. This puts Joshua in a no-win situation regardless of location.
Smith emphasized that Joshua is eager and ready to fight, and it would not be his fault if the bout doesn’t come to fruition. Both parties have contractual obligations to make the fight happen by the end of the year, with Joshua committed to showing up in the UK if that location stands. Smith avoided assigning blame should the deal collapse.
Regarding the push for Madison Square Garden, Smith noted that strong pressure is coming from multiple stakeholders, largely driven by Netflix’s audience, especially in the US, as they are a key financial backer of the event. Although all parties initially agreed on a UK venue, the significant American subscriber base of Netflix has fueled calls for the fight to be staged in the United States, affecting the negotiations considerably.
Fan Take: This development is crucial for fight fans because a showdown between Joshua and Fury could redefine the heavyweight division’s landscape. The location dispute highlights the growing influence of streaming platforms on boxing’s business side, which might shape how major fights are negotiated and promoted in the future.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
