Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua's blockbuster heavyweight fight is set to take place in the United States on a weekday, according to reports. The long-awaited clash is scheduled for November, with Madison Square Garden in New York as the likely venue.
Sports Illustrated reports that the fight is 'almost certain' to be held in the US, with Netflix steering the event Stateside. The streaming service is reportedly targeting a Friday night, breaking with the traditional Saturday boxing schedule in the UK.
Potential November date
November 20 is being touted as a potential date, chosen to avoid a clash with College Football. Netflix has deviated from its usual Friday slot only once, when Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez nearly a year ago.
The fight was set up after Fury defeated Mariusz Wach in Thailand, while Joshua survived a scare against Kristian Prenga. Fury, 37, said after his win that he didn't know where the fight would take place, listing several possible destinations.
UK contract dispute
Anthony Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has insisted the bout agreement requires the fight to be held in the UK. "It's done. We signed a legally binding contract about three months ago," Hearn said.
"There's a reason that we put contracts together. There's a reason AJ employs lawyers, there's a reason that me and him sit down and have endless conversations to make sure every move is correct."
Hearn added: "We insisted that this fight was in the UK. I know AJ will sometimes want to be a peace-keeper, but the reality is he said to me 'I want the fight in the UK.'"
However, he later admitted: "There was never any doubt this fight was in the UK until there were some approaches from America in terms of the revenue that could be achieved at MSG."
Title shot at stake
The winner of the fight could earn a title shot against Murat Gassiev, who has offered the victor an opportunity after defending his WBA belt against Peter Kadiru.
"They are two great fighters, great people, and good guys," Gassiev told Mirror Fighting. "I have a lot of respect for both guys and if I could fight them in England then I would say yes, because I have never been before."
