Anthony Joshua has suggested that Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi boxing official backing the fight, and Netflix are rooting for him to be defeated by Tyson Fury after he insisted that their highly anticipated British showdown take place in the UK. The two fighters met face-to-face at a press event on Wednesday, nearly three months before their long-anticipated ‘Battle of Britain,’ scheduled for December 11.
The match will now be held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, rather than New York’s Madison Square Garden, which was previously expected to host the fight before Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, pushed to keep it in the UK. Alalshikh, the financial backer, acknowledged that moving the venue will cost around $70 million in revenue, but he was willing to sacrifice that to serve the British fans. Meanwhile, Hearn stated that Joshua accepted this decision knowing it would mean a significant eight-figure pay cut.
Fury, on the other hand, showed less enthusiasm for a UK venue and seemed more comfortable fighting in the U.S., aligning with Alalshikh’s preference, whom he frequently praises. Fury also enjoys a closer connection with Netflix, which produces the documentary series “At Home With The Furys,” further linking him to American media.
Because of this, Joshua feels the fight’s promoters will lean in Fury’s favor once the two step into the ring, but he claims he’s prepared to thoroughly defeat those who want to see him lose. When asked if he believes Fury is the favored winner, Joshua replied affirmatively and warned he would fiercely fight back against anyone hoping to see him fail.
Joshua added that while he wants to do well and bring a great fight to the UK, if people hate him or wish him defeat, he will retaliate aggressively and escalate the conflict beyond their expectations.
Additionally, Fury has ties with UFC figurehead Dana White, co-founder of Zuffa Boxing, who invited Fury to the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House last July. White’s potential involvement in promoting the fight has been a contentious issue. Hearn emphasized that White is not a promoter for this event, but Alalshikh mentioned he would collaborate with White. The recent uncertainties surrounding the fight were reportedly connected to White, but Hearn confirmed those matters have been resolved. Joshua expressed full confidence that the fight will go ahead as planned.
When asked if his opposition to White was personal, Joshua responded that it was based on loyalty to Eddie Hearn rather than any personal animosity toward White. Hearn mentioned that a short-term dispute over White’s involvement has been settled but hinted White might still have a role if it benefits Joshua or Matchroom in the future. Hearn criticized White’s approach, saying it was arrogant, especially as White incorrectly claimed the fight was in America and that he was the promoter handling the venue.
Hearn suggested White’s proper course would have been to respect the existing contract and step back for the sake of the fight’s importance. While Netflix and Alalshikh would prefer White’s involvement, Hearn considers the immediate battle won and plans to continue maintaining pressure in the buildup to the fight, promising persistent media activity.
Fan Take: This rivalry exposes the complex clash between sports diplomacy, media influence, and boxer loyalties, highlighting how external interests can impact major fight arrangements. For fight fans, Joshua’s determination to keep the bout in the UK and rally against perceived biases adds extra drama that could elevate the bout’s historic significance for British boxing and the sport as a whole.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
