Eddie Hearn has admitted the long-awaited clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could be renegotiated, depending on the demands of paymaster Turki Alalshikh.
As it stands, the two British heavyweights are set to collide later this year, just so long as they come through their respective warm-up fights.
While Fury’s is yet to be announced, it has been confirmed that Joshua will face Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25.
‘The Gypsy King’ is then expected to enter a keep-busy fight in August, potentially against Nelson Hysa, following his unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April.
If everything goes according to plan, then ‘AJ’ and Fury should end up squaring off in the UK, though Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn has revealed the location could be renegotiated.
Such information has been disclosed following Dana White’s post-fight press conference at Zuffa Boxing 07, where the UFC boss claimed he is the lead promoter for Fury and Joshua’s showdown.
Not only that, but White also suggested that Joshua’s promoter, Hearn, has not yet been made aware of the location, seemingly insinuating that the fight could take place in America.
In response, Hearn has told IFL TV that such a turn of events would need to be renegotiated and specified in the contracts of both Joshua and Fury.
“Without AJ’s approval, the fight can’t take place anywhere outside of the UK. And there hasn’t been that approval.
“If there’s a renegotiation, and we want to re-cut the deal, I’m sure we’ll look at it. [But] beyond the money, we want this fight in the UK.
“We’ll act appropriately, and we’ll have those conversations with Turki Alalshikh if they’re put to us, but who really wants to see this fight at 4am UK time?”
Given that the pair are likely to lock horns in November, when British weather for stadium shows is unpredictable at best, fans may need to prepare for a Stateside event, or indeed Saudi Arabia.
