Matchroom boss flags location clash as Joshua-Fury showdown hangs in the balance
Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith warned that a dispute over the venue could derail the planned Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight.
After five years of stalled talks, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury signed contracts to meet in the ring, but the agreements conflict on where the fight will take place. Joshua’s contract specifies a UK venue, preferably Wembley Stadium, whereas Fury’s camp is flexible and many supporters favor a 20 November showdown in New York City, possibly at Madison Square Garden. Matchroom Boxing chief Frank Smith told Playbox Boxing that the public narrative could unfairly suggest Joshua is backing out, even though he is prepared to fight.
He emphasized that both parties have contractual obligations and that the fight’s location is being influenced by Netflix’s large U.S. subscriber base. Smith added that the promoters will continue to push for a UK setting but acknowledged the difficulty of satisfying all interests.
