Hearn explained that Joshua’s contract currently calls for the fight to take place in Britain, while admitting that other venues such as Croke Park and the United States have been discussed. He also described Joshua-Fury as “the biggest fight in the history of our country.”
Malignaggi disagreed.
“For me, as an American, I think it has to be in the UK. I love the UK atmosphere when there are big UK fights. I don’t see how you can make it anywhere else,” Paulie told talkSPORT Boxing.
He then explained why he thinks Hearn’s description goes too far.
“I don’t agree with him that it’s the biggest fight in British history just because they’re not in their prime. If they were in their prime, yes,” Malignaggi said. “Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno fought for the heavyweight championship. They were in their prime.”
Malignaggi argued that timing is as important as the names involved. While Joshua and Fury remain two of Britain’s biggest boxing attractions, he believes the years of delays have diminished the importance of the contest.
“It’s a great fight. It’s a fight that everyone will want to watch, but I don’t think it’s the biggest fight because there’s no heavyweight title on the line. They’re not in their prime anymore,” says Malignaggi.
Joshua returns to the ring on July 25 against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia, while Fury fought last April and beat Arslanbek Makhmudov. Malignaggi said he wanted to see Joshua’s performance before making a prediction about the superfight.
“A year ago I would have said Fury wins it. Now I want to see what Joshua has on July 25th before I make a prediction. I have to see what kind of Joshua I see because the Jake Paul fight really didn’t show me anything,” says Malignaggi.
The debate over where Joshua and Fury should meet continues, but Malignaggi believes one thing is indisputable: if the fight does finally take place, the atmosphere belongs in a British stadium, even if in his opinion it can no longer be considered the greatest fight the country has ever produced.
