Fury Confirms Joshua Blockbuster For New York’s Madison Square Garden

Tyson Fury has confirmed that his long-awaited heavyweight showdown with British-Nigerian Anthony Joshua is set to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York, United States.

Fury, the former world heavyweight champion, revealed the development on Instagram, posting a promotional image of himself and Joshua against the New York City skyline. However, he did not attach an official date to the announcement.

“What a place NYC, and what a venue MSG, and what a fight Fury vs AJ, the land of opportunity,” Fury wrote.

“What a weekend away for the lads on the piss in NYC. Iconic! Not long now guys.”

Joshua was not tagged in the post, while neither the two-time world heavyweight champion nor his promoter, Matchroom Boxing, had officially confirmed the venue at the time of the report.

The highly anticipated bout is expected to take place in November, with 20 November reportedly being targeted for the contest.

Both fighters have signed contracts with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, for the long-awaited meeting.

The proposed venue represents a significant change from Joshua’s original position, which stipulated that the fight should be staged in the United Kingdom.

However, organisers, including streaming giant Netflix and Alalshikh, have pushed for the blockbuster contest to be staged in the United States, prompting further negotiations with Joshua’s camp.

Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn previously acknowledged that Joshua’s team preferred to stage the fight in Britain but said they understood that the financial arrangements had to satisfy all parties.

“We don’t want to do the fight in the US, but we also understand it has to work for everybody,” Hearn said.

He explained that one of the major concerns was the tax implications of staging the fight in America, which could significantly reduce Joshua’s net earnings.

“We’ve set out our position, mainly in concern to the tax situation that will deplete his net purse by going to America, which can be rectified and I think they’re happy to do that,” Hearn added.

Hearn had earlier indicated that a decision would have to be reached quickly, saying: “We will need to make a decision this week. They’ve replied, they have our terms. It’s up to them.”

Fury’s announcement has nevertheless sparked debate among boxing fans, with some questioning why one of the biggest all-British heavyweight contests in recent years is being taken across the Atlantic rather than staged at a major UK venue such as Wembley Stadium.

The Fury-Joshua clash has been years in the making, with both fighters having held world heavyweight titles and built lengthy careers at the top of the division. A confirmed date and final contractual announcement from Joshua’s camp and the promoters are still awaited.