Boxing icon Mike Tyson has voiced his preference for Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to settle their rivalry on British soil, criticizing the prospect of their long-awaited fight taking place in New York.
Years of anticipation have surrounded a potential clash between the two British heavyweights, with reports indicating that contracts had been signed for a November 20 bout in New York City. However, the news of the fight not being held in Britain reportedly sparked significant backlash. This was followed by Tyson Fury claiming on Friday that the fight "doesn't look like it's going to happen," in a public critique of his rival and Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn.
Tyson, one of boxing's most formidable former heavyweights, told the Daily Mail that the fighters "must clash on home soil." Despite his own inability to attend a UK-based event due to a past criminal conviction barring him from the country, Tyson believes a British venue is the appropriate choice. "They're both English and if they come here, all the English people are going to come anyway. So you're home already, let's do it there!" Tyson stated. He suggested that an American venue would still be filled predominantly by British fans, mirroring his experience at his fights against Frank Bruno.
Tyson made these remarks during an event in New York promoting his new Protein Sliders. He expressed optimism that the fight would still materialize, emphasizing its importance for the sport. "It's going to be a great fight, it's going to be great for boxing. And I think they both still have enough in them once they get the desire," he said.
Recent performances have seen Fury competing sporadically, with wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Mariusz Wach following his December 2024 defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua, meanwhile, recently returned to the ring, defeating Kristian Prenga after recovering from a serious car crash.
Tyson Fury took to Instagram to criticize promoter Eddie Hearn and Joshua, accusing them of seeking additional funds. "Quick update: Doesn't look like they're going to sign the fight, doesn't look like it's going to happen. All because Eddie Hearn and that want more money," Fury posted. He further described Hearn and Joshua as "money-thirsty pieces of s***" for allegedly demanding more financial contributions from the investor Turki Alalshikh, who he claimed had already provided substantial support for boxing, darts, and snooker deals.
Reports suggest that Joshua's contract stipulated the fight must be staged in Britain, a condition that appears to conflict with the reported agreement for a New York venue.
