London, Saudi Arabia or Las Vegas: Potential locations for the Joshua vs Fury

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

Last week, promoter Eddie Hearn revealed plans for a two-fight deal between world heavyweight champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

The announcement was a big step towards a unification bout between the pair, which would see all four major heavyweight belts on the line for the first time in boxing history.

The two-fight deal could become one of the most lucrative bouts since records began, and more importantly, it would please fans who have been calling for the pair to meet in the ring for years.

But where will the two bouts take place? The likes of London, New York, Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia have all been touted as potential hosts, although nothing has been confirmed yet.

Here, Boxing365 looks at the biggest and best arenas that could host the heavyweight bouts.

Wembley Stadium, London

Wembley has played host to some huge fights over the past decade, including Carl Froch’s rematch against George Groves and Anthony Joshua’s stunning knockout victory over Ukranian legend Wladimir Klitschko.

A super-fight between Joshua and Fury could surely be added to that list, considering both of the fighters are British and would love to appear in front of a home crowd.

Wembley’s capacity of 90,000 would be perfect for the title fight and the atmosphere would be off the charts.

Madison Square Garden, New York

Madison Square Garden has been called ‘the world’s most famous arena’ and it is a strong suitor for Joshua vs Fury.

MSG has hosted some of the best and most famous boxers, including Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

With a capacity of over 20,000, it is notably smaller than Wembley Stadium, but this would not affect the size or importance of the bout although with so much on the line, it may not prove the most lucrative option.

Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

Las Vegas has a close relationship with boxing and regularly hosts the biggest events in the world. The T-Mobile Arena and MGM Grand have been popular places for the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez but now there’s a new player in the Allegiant Stadium. With a 61,000 capacity - and the new home to NFL’s Raiders, formerly located in Oakland, it would be quite the statement to fight across the Atlantic.

Old Trafford, Manchester

Old Trafford could be the perfect option for at least one of the planned fights, as it is Fury’s hometown and the stadium of his boyhood club Manchester United.The location would make it a kind of homecoming for the ‘Gypsy King’, who returned to the sport in 2018 after vacating his world titles. One option is for the first fight to be at Wembley in London, where AJ is based, and the rematch in Fury’s neck of the woods.

Diriyah Arena, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is relatively new to the boxing scene, but the country is looking to acquire more rights in sport and let’s face it, they’re loaded.

Diriyah Arena hosted Joshua’s last fight, where he defeated Andy Ruiz Jr via unanimous decision to regain his world titles and it seemed like it ran smoothly.

The Arena was purpose-built for the fight and signalled the country’s intent to become a dominant force in the sporting world. Although the decision was met with criticism by some fans, because of its atrocious human rights record, Diriyah could host one of the two Joshua vs Fury fights.

MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

The second option in Las Vegas is the MGM, which has a capacity of 17,000 people and a proud history of delivering the biggest fights.

It has hosted significant heavyweight fights, including Fury’s recent demolition of Deontay Wilder.

The Arena a likely US target for the fight organisers, and one which would be able to cope with such an important event.

Australia

One surprising location that has become a front-runner is Australia.

Australia is an option as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on countries such as the US and UK. Australia has seemingly recovered quicker and could therefore be in line to host Joshua vs Fury with fans present.

Bob Arum recently revealed that Fury could face Wilder in the country on Christmas Day in an unprecedented event although Fury has ruled it out.

A long list of options for organisers to consider

Organising the Joshua vs Fury deal will be a massive task, especially considering the belts, money and fans that are involved. The two Brits understand the importance of delivering for fans, who’ve invested in them heavily over the years.

Clearly, there are many locations that could host the fights successfully, whether it be in the US, UK or even in Australia. British fans may want to see both of the fights on home soil, meaning one fight in Manchester and one in London could be the preferred option but they will follow where the money is meaning the Middle East is favourite for now.

It is important to note that both AJ and Fury have fights planned first. Fury is contracted to a trilogy bout against former champion Wilder, while Joshua must defend his titles against mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.

If they are both victorious, then we could be set for the biggest UK event since England won the FIFA World Cup in 1966.

By James Holland, follow James on Twitter @jamessports20

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