Dramatic information has emerged that Nigerian-born former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua might end up fighting British rival, Tyson Fury in the United States of America, instead of London.
Sports247 reports that, although a clause in the contract actually stipulated that the much-expected and long-awaited ‘Battle of Brits’ should take place in the British capital, money bags in the boxing sector are looking towards a venue in USA.
The report out of God’s Own Country indicates that some promoters involved in putting together the epic bout between ‘AJ’ and Fury are looking at leveraging current attention on USA through the FIFA World Cup as a motivating factor.
Another argument in favour of holding the ‘British Battle’ in Uncle Sam’s Country comes from the recent impact that was created by American president, Donald Trump at the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals and his love for combat sports.
Trump pulled off a historic feat in throwing open the grounds of USA’s presidents’ iconic residence, The White House, for a pulsating night in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which boxing promoters believe they can emulate.
Consequently, speculation is rising high that Joshua and Fury could end up having British boxing’s biggest fight in Las Vegas, USA, which the 37-year-old ‘Gypsy King’ appears favourably inclined towards, despite resistance from the camp of ‘AJ.’
Fury is scheduled for a return to the ring in August before taking on Joshua, who will fight Kristian Prenga on July 25, ahead of his clash with his British rival, who was at The White House last weekend, where he wore a ‘Donald Trump’ cap.
‘The Gypsy King’ was in Washington DC to watch the UFC show and his shock appearance further boosted fears among fight fans that the 15-year-old all-British rivalry will be settled outside their territory, despite denials by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
Rather than succumb to marketing factors propelling the fight towards USA, Hearn insists that part of 36-year-old Joshua’s contract stipulates the bout with Fury MUST take place in the UK, which Saudi mogul, Turki Al Sheikh may now alter.
Al Sheikh is the brains and budget behind the deal between Joshua and Fury, which means his wish would ultimately hold preeminence above all signatures and push all arguments or sentiments in favour of a venue in Britain aside.
A report by UK’s Sun Sports adds, “If Al Sheikh decides he wants to let MMA (and UFC) kingpin, Dana White ride roughshod on the show, in the Nevada desert, then everyone will have to fall in line.
“Because unlike traditional boxing business – where every bum-on-seat and pay-per-view sale is a deal breaker – the Saudis aren’t concerned with commercial success. Boxing’s newest and biggest bankrollers want glitz and glamour.”
