Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn expects the heavyweight fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to be finalised by the end of August 2026. An official press conference for the all-British clash is expected at the end of the month, even if the bout is relocated from the United Kingdom to America.
New York has emerged as the most likely venue for the heavyweight fight, with Madison Square Garden poised to host the two stars. Hearn, who promotes Joshua, insisted he has not agreed to move the bout to the United States and maintains that the event should take place on British soil.
Hearn hit back at claims from Fury that he was worried about the fight falling through. "At the end of August, there will be a press conference," Hearn told Sky Sports News. "I'm not going to sit here and tell you there's no way the fight's happening in America because things can change."
Hearn stressed that Joshua wants to keep the fight in the UK for local supporters. "I really feel strongly that this is something that should happen in the UK and we'll do all we can," Hearn said. "We're up against it - it seems like everybody else has agreed but Anthony Joshua. He feels a little bit of responsibility to UK fight fans as well, and he's doing everything he can to give them what they want."
Venue negotiations and financial strategy
Discussion surrounding the venue change has caused speculation that the fight could be delayed. However, Hearn remains optimistic that an in-shape Joshua will be ready to compete in November regardless of the final location.
"We're ready to go in November - so there's no reason for this fight to be delayed," Hearn added. "We will try and make it as financially unviable as possible to do this fight in the US, so that hopefully they just turn around and say, 'okay, let's just do it in the UK'."
Hearn acknowledged the commercial realities of boxing while reiterating his preference for a domestic venue. "Apparently, [New York] is the entertainment capital of the world. Who cares? It's two Brits and the biggest fight in the British boxing history. But I understand business," Hearn said.
As promotional build-up continues, Joshua's team at Matchroom Boxing posted an artificial intelligence video suggesting Fury should prepare for a visit from "The Landlord" later this year.
Additional Dublin fight card
The announcement comes as Sky Sports prepares to broadcast other major fight coverage. Aaron McKenna will fight Etinosa Oliha for the IBF world middleweight title in Dublin on Saturday, with McKenna planning to target Chris Eubank Jr. and other opponents following his title bout.
