“If Turki calls me and says, ‘Listen, we have an opportunity to do this here. What do you think?’ I’d say, ‘Look, do it in the UK instead, but let me talk to Anthony. We’ll look at the numbers and we’ll go from there,” Hearn told Fight Hub TV. “I wouldn’t rule out this fight happening anywhere, but I think it’s more than likely you’ll see it in the UK.”
These comments can be significant given the magnitude of the event.
Unlike recent blockbusters that have largely revolved around a single marquee attraction, Joshua Vs. Fury two globally recognized heavyweight stars. Both fighters have headlined stadium events, attracted significant pay-per-view audiences and built fan bases that extend far beyond the United Kingdom.
That reality can ultimately affect the venue booking.
From a British perspective, Wembley Stadium seems the natural home for the battle. The atmosphere generated by two home-grown heavyweight rivals could make this one of the biggest sporting events in recent British history.
Yet Saudi Arabia’s investment in boxing has rarely been driven by gate receipts alone. The kingdom has increasingly used major sporting events to promote tourism and showcase itself to international audiences as part of its broader Vision 2030 strategy.
If Turki Alalshikh is funding what could become the biggest fight in British boxing history, there is a business case for staging it in Riyadh rather than allowing another country to benefit from the influx of visitors and global attention.
Hearn insists Britain remains the preferred destination. But his admission that discussions could reopen if Turki suggests an alternative suggests the spot may not be as fixed as many fans assumed.
