Talks for a potential boxing match between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have encountered a significant obstacle stemming from tax differences between the United Kingdom and the United States. While contracts were reportedly signed months ago for a UK venue, recent discussions considered a New York City location, a move that has complicated financial arrangements for the fighters.
Sources indicate that Anthony Joshua's team has raised concerns about the financial implications of staging the fight in the U.S. The primary issue appears to be the withholding tax, which is reportedly around 30 percent for non-U.K. residents fighting in the U.S., compared to approximately 20 percent if the bout were held in London. For fighters expected to earn around $100 million each, this difference translates to a substantial shortfall of potentially $10 million, a figure Joshua's team views as a significant pay cut.
Tyson Fury and his team have not publicly voiced similar concerns regarding the U.S. tax implications. This discrepancy has fueled anger within Joshua's camp over the potential shift of the fight away from a British venue, a move reportedly favored by broadcaster Netflix and Saudi organizers Sela, led by Turki Alalshikh.
A Long Road to a Potential Bout
The prospect of Fury and Joshua, both previously unbeaten, facing each other has been discussed for years. Initial reports of talks surfaced nearly 12 years ago, in December 2014, when Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed his desire to make the fight happen. However, the complex negotiations and financial considerations have repeatedly delayed the event.
Recent developments saw the fight heading towards Madison Square Garden in New York for November 20. This plan, however, reportedly clashed with an earlier agreement stipulating a UK venue. The potential shift to the U.S. has been met with strong disapproval from Hearn and Joshua's team, who view it as a disregard for the British audience and a betrayal of the sport's home.
Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in the organization, has played a notable role in the venue discussions. In early July, Alalshikh reportedly inquired about the possibility of adjusting London's curfew to accommodate U.S.-friendly broadcast times for a potential London fight. However, sources suggest that no formal request was made to the Mayor of London's office until mid-August, and it was made clear that a later start time would not be an issue. Mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly stated his desire to host the fight in London.
Some parties speculate that Alalshikh's earlier comments might have been a tactic to appear as though efforts were made to secure a London venue. Despite the ongoing disputes and the long history of delays, there is hope that a resolution will be reached. The involvement of major broadcasters like Netflix and the financial stakes involved continue to shape the intricate negotiations for what could be one of boxing's most significant matchups.