Fury vs Joshua fight locked into UK deal, says Hearn

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are locked into staging their heavyweight showdown in the UK under the current contract, Eddie Hearn told BBC Sport, and shifting the bout to the United States would force Joshua's team back to the negotiating table.

Hearn, who promotes Joshua through Matchroom, said the fight would happen in 2026 "100%" if no new terms are agreed, despite growing chatter about a potential Las Vegas staging. He added that Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh has made no formal request to move the contest off British soil.

Can Dana White promote Fury vs Joshua?

The Matchroom chief also shot down UFC president Dana White's recent claims of involvement, stating that the existing contract bars Zuffa Boxing from any promotional role unless Joshua's camp signs off on changes. "The contract clearly states that Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, or anyone associated, cannot be the promoters of this event," Hearn said, per the BBC. "The only way Dana could have any involvement in the show is if we let him."

White had suggested at the UFC's 14 June White House event that he knew the date and location for Fury-Joshua and would be promoting it. Hearn believes White was asked by Alalshikh to explore the financial case for Las Vegas and then overplayed his hand. "Money changes a lot of things," Hearn added when asked if he might soften his stance.

Frank Warren, Fury's promoter, confirmed to the BBC earlier this week that a meeting between the involved parties is set for next week to finalize the date and venue. Hearn said the only obstacle now is Joshua losing to Kristian Prenga on 25 July or Fury being beaten in his own interim fight mooted for 1 August.

Both fighters remain two of British boxing's biggest crossover names despite being past their peaks. Joshua is 36, Fury 37, and both are two-time world champions. Alalshikh has orchestrated the matchup, with each camp dealing directly with the Saudis on contracts. Hearn said neither Matchroom nor Queensberry can act as lead promoter without creating an unfair advantage for one side.

Source: bbc.co.uk