Barry Hearn has appealed to London Mayor Sadiq Khan to intervene and help stage the highly anticipated Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury heavyweight boxing match in the English capital. The British super-fight is currently facing uncertainty, with a US location or cancellation appearing to be the most likely outcomes due to an ongoing contract dispute.
Joshua's contract reportedly stipulates a fight on home soil, while Tyson Fury's camp is said to be more flexible regarding the location. Fury and other key figures are reportedly advocating for a clash in New York City on November 20, with Madison Square Garden previously mentioned as a potential venue.
Hearn, father of Joshua's direct promoter Eddie Hearn, expressed his hope for the fight to take place in London. He told Coral, “I think Sadiq Khan will move heaven and earth to get a late-night extension, so that the US audience gets their prime time.” Hearn also noted that Joshua “really wants to repay the British fight fans by giving them the fight they’ve waited 10 years for.”
The promoter also commented on the general negotiations, stating, “We represent Anthony Joshua, he is our client. The contract says that the fight will be staged in the UK, which is fine. Apparently, now, they want to do it in New York.” He added, “all we’re saying to the other side is: we don’t have a problem with this fight, but if we sign something, he’ll follow the wording of the contract.”