ANTHONY JOSHUA’S Battle of Britain against Tyson Fury moved one step closer with AJ’s ninth round KO of Kubrat Pulev.
And with the coronavirus vaccine also being rolled out across the country, the clash has a bigger chance of taking place in the UK.
Anthony Joshua has fought all over the world – but fight fans will be hoping the Fury clash will be on home soil after he beat Kubrat Pulev
Tyson Fury beat Deontay Wilder in the American’s back yard – can he bring AJ up to Manchester?Credit: Rex Features
This could also mean fans are allowed back into stadiums with boxing and sport in general slowly getting back to ‘normal’.
WBC king Fury announced at the start of lockdown that he had agreed two fights against WBA, WBO and IBF champ Joshua for 2021.
And, with Joshua through his Pulev battle, Eddie Hearn has opened the door to fighting in a ‘wacky’ location.
Here, SunSport checks out five potential venues that could be in the running to house the mouthwatering battle.
Wembley Stadium
Being the national stadium, Wembley is a firm favourite to hold such a monumental boxing clash.
Joshua has already sold out the 90,000 capacity London venue when he beat Wladimir Klitschko in a thriller in 2017 to become unified champ.
He went on to defend his titles against Alexander Povetkin there too in September 2018.
It would be Fury’s first fight at Wembley – but he has won twice at the Arena next door.
Wembley Stadium hosted AJ’s epic victory against Wladimir KlitschkoCredit: Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The futuristic North London venue deserves to hold an event of such magnitude.
Eddie Hearn seems a fan, previously touting it for prospective giant boxing clashes including the initial plans for Joshua to face Pulev.
Housing just over 62,000 and with travel links decent enough and set to be upgraded, the home of Spurs could be the favourite.
A night under the lights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be magicalCredit: PA:Press Association
Principality Stadium
Promoter Hearn and Joshua were raving after the Welsh stadium hosted AJ’s victory against Joseph Parker in March 2018.
There was even the chance of Joshua’s rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr happening there, until the millions of Saudi Arabia came knocking.
With Fury from the north and Joshua the south, this would play the part of a neutral 74,000 capacity venue.
Anthony Joshua loved fighting at the Principality Stadium when he beat Joseph ParkerCredit: Rex Features
Old Trafford
Fury has often spoke of his dreams to have a world title fight in his hometown of Morecambe.
But that might be a little too much for the quaint seaside town.
Sixty miles down the road is Manchester, and the 76,000-capacity home of his beloved football club, United.
The Gyspy King has previously been paraded out on the hallowed turf at half-time of a Premier League game.
Tyson Fury is a big Manchester United fan and would love a fight at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – Contributor
Lusail Iconic Stadium
Many expect the fight to be heading to the Middle East with a specially-constructed arena in Saudi Arabia hosting AJ’s win over Andy Ruiz Jr.
With Hearn accepting that the fight may not take place in the UK, Qatar may emerge as a serious contender for the honour.
The hosts of the 2022 World Cup have a whole host of new venues on the way, including the 80,000-seater Lusail Iconic Stadium that will host the final.
Due to be completed in May, what better opening event than a heavyweight world unification fight?
Could Qatar be one of the ‘wacky’ bidders Eddie Hearn has referred to?Credit: Handout – Getty
Fight Island
Dana White’s UFC spectacle was able to continue throughout the pandemic by setting up at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.
The unique location may be an option if fans are still unable to attend this unification battle.
And few could doubt the UAE’s ability to pull out the cash to land the fight.
Fight Island hosted UFC during the pandemic and may be the best fan-less option for Fury vs AJCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Saudi Arabia
Another proven destination for major sporting events in recent years has been Saudi Arabia.
It took just weeks for Saudi authorities to construct a 15,000-seater venue to host Joshua’s rematch with Ruiz Jr in Riyadh.
The three-sided gladiator-style arena boasted plenty of space for VIP guests and for fighters to prepare, so a fresh deal with Hearn is hardly difficult to imagine.
Saudi Arabia built a stadium in mere weeks for Joshua’s last fight abroadCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eddiehearn/
Las Vegas
The traditional home of boxing world title fights.
It would be foolish to rule out the MGM Grand or another top Vegas venue, including the Raiders’ new Allegiant Stadium.
The NFL ground was initially selected for Fury’s trilogy match-up with Deontay Wilder.
Las Vegas has another jewel in its crown with the completion of Allegiant StadiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Frank Warren says that Tyson Fury clash with Anthony Joshua to be 50-50 purse split
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
