Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that he has received offers from the Middle East to host the unification heavyweight world title fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury this summer in indoor venues.
A two-fight contract has been agreed by both world champions, with the aim of hosting the first fight in the summer and the second towards the end of the year.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has complicated plans to stage the fights in large, packed-out stadiums for what would be two of the biggest events in boxing history. However, unspecified locations in the Middle East have made serious offers to host the first fight this summer, using purpose-built indoor arenas.
Hearn, who represents WBA, WBO, and IBF champion Joshua, said he would present the various location options – which includes Wembley Stadium in London on July 24 – to both fighters.
"Nothing is ideal," Hearn told Sky Sports. "If it was ideal, we'd just be in Wembley with 100,000, but I don't know whether Tyson Fury would accept that offer. We may see on Sunday.
"But if it's 20,000 or 15,000 in an arena, all the Middle East offers have been based on an indoor arena.
"We know it's hot there in July, of course, so there is no option to go outside. It has to be in an indoor arena and those arenas are already in place, ready to stage this fight."
Hearn has already staged a major Joshua fight in the region when the British star regained his titles in a rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr at the 'Clash On The Dunes' in Saudi Arabia in December 2019. And Hearn has admitted that Saudi are "absolutely keen" to stage Joshua's fight with Fury.
"We had a great experience there back in December 2019, with Anthony Joshua against Andy Ruiz, so they are players that we know are for real," he said.
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Best photos from Wilder v Fury 2
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Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder during their rematch in Las Vegas in February 2020. -
Tyson Fury celebrates defeating Deontay Wilder to win the WBC World Heavyweight Championship at the Garden Arena in Las Vegas. -
Tyson Fury celebrates with the belts after winning the fight. -
Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder in the fifth round. -
Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder. -
Tyson Fury celebrates after knocking down Deontay Wilder. -
Tyson Fury watches Deontay Wilder hit the canvas. -
Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder. -
Tyson Fury in action against Deontay Wilder. -
Tyson Fury at the end of the first round. -
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder in the first round. -
Deontay Wilder enters the ring. -
Tyson Fury arrives in the arena. -
Tyson Fury makes his entrance. -
Former Heavyweight Champions Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield. -
Former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis in the ring. -
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson before the fight. -
NFL player Patrick Mahomes attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena. -
Boxing Hall of Fame member Mike Tyson attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena. -
Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena. -
Former NFL player Chad Ochocinco Johnson. -
Boxing Hall of Fame member Thomas Hearns attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena. -
NBA Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson attends the WBC heavyweight title bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena. -
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis and head coach John Gruden.
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"We've been through the process with them. They gave us their word on what they would deliver and they did that. It was a fantastic event.
"Most people would prefer it to be a little bit later, but that's not what's on the table. We want two fights this year and the first one will be in the summer."
There are concerns that the deal could ultimately fall through as negotiations continue and a fight location remains unconfirmed. Fury, the WBC title holder, tweeted this week that time was running out to conclude the deal, posting a picture on Twitter saying "3 days left ... the clock is ticking". Meanwhile John Fury, Tyson's father, has criticised the progress of the negotiations.
Hearn has responded by insisting Joshua and his team are happy with the current terms of the contract and questioned whether Fury is as committed.
"[End of this week], that's the date we're working to, but of course, if we're drafting contracts by that stage with a site, would Tyson kindly give us another 24? I don't know," Hearn said. "That's up to their side, but that's the deadline that we're working to, to present all the options to the fighters.
"I can't make Tyson Fury get in the ring and take this fight, John Fury agreed to this fight, but this is going to be, by far and away, the biggest financial fight for both guys by a country mile.
"From our side, we're really comfortable. You don't see AJ out there tweeting, 'Oh three days to go, the clock is ticking!'
"Don't you want this fight? No, you see AJ saying, 'I'm working, I'm training for this fight.'"
