Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has publicly dismissed reports that a venue has been finalized for the heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. In a social media update shared on June 21, 2026, Alalshikh clarified that no official decision regarding the fight’s location has been reached, contrary to recent media speculation claiming the matter was settled.
The statement follows reports suggesting that Las Vegas had emerged as a frontrunner for the all-British showdown. Other American sites, including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, have reportedly been discussed internally.
However, Alalshikh warned fans to ignore “stories” from outside sources, insisting that his track record of delivering major events should reassure the public that an official announcement will come in due time.
Contractual stipulations complicate the venue search
“Till now I have not decided yet where the fight will take place,” Alalshikh posted. “If you want to know the facts, take it from me or the ring. If you want to waste your time listen to others.” While the venue remains unconfirmed, the Fury-Joshua bout is expected to take place around mid-November, aligning with the peak of the Riyadh Season.
Despite the speculation surrounding a move to the United States, significant legal hurdles exist. Anthony Joshua’s signed contract reportedly mandates that the bout take place exclusively in the United Kingdom. In contrast, Tyson Fury’s agreement does not include a specific U.K. venue requirement, though the location of the fight remains at the discretion of Alalshikh.
If Alalshikh chooses a venue outside of Britain, it would require a formal renegotiation of Joshua’s contract. Promoter Eddie Hearn recently confirmed that while the fight is signed by both sides, the U.K. exclusivity clause is a firm fixture of their current deal.
Many British fans continue to argue the fight belongs at Wembley Stadium, which has a 100,000-fan capacity ideal for the planned global broadcast on Netflix.
Other domestic options like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff have been mentioned as alternatives. However, Hearn remains pragmatic about the final decision. “He’s also the one paying the bill,” Hearn said of Alalshikh on June 20, 2026. “He has to look at where that fight makes sense for the business.”
The explicit exclusion of Zuffa Boxing
An unusual detail in the current negotiations involves Alalshikh’s 60% stake in Zuffa Boxing. Despite his majority ownership, both fighters’ contracts explicitly bar Dana White and Zuffa Boxing from any promotional involvement in this specific show. This move ensures that Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren remain the sole promoters of record for the event.
Hearn pointed out that White is likely unaware of the specific details within the negotiated documents. “Dana doesn’t know about the contract for the show that we signed and negotiated,” Hearn stated during a recent media appearance in Phoenix. This clear separation of Alalshikh’s different business interests highlights the complex politics of modern heavyweight boxing management.
The situation mirrors historical instances where outside management influences have caused friction in major bouts. For example, Roberto Duran blamed manager Carlos Eleta for the circumstances surrounding his 1980 bout. In this instance, the parties involved are moving to avoid such interference through strict contractual language before the first bell even rings.
Interim fights scheduled for July and August
Before the mid-November date, both heavyweights have confirmed assignments to stay sharp. Anthony Joshua is scheduled to fight Kristian Prenga on July 25. This return comes after Joshua recovered from elbow surgery.
Despite the high stakes of the upcoming Fury clash, Joshua has maintained a gritty outlook on the sport’s risks, as seen when Joshua dismissed Jake Paul’s injury concerns as a standard part of the business.
Tyson Fury, who recently returned from a brief retirement earlier this year, is also staying active. He is currently scheduled for a tune-up fight in Dublin on August 1. These summer bouts are crucial; any defeat or medical setback for either man would effectively dismantle the plans currently being finalized by the Saudi organisers.
The winner of the November showdown is expected to claim lineal heavyweight bragging rights and secure a direct route to the undisputed title. With a Netflix broadcast ensuring a massive audience, the pressure on Alalshikh to choose the right setting—whether a legacy-defining London show or a commercial powerhouse in Nevada—continues to build.
