Eddie Hearn considering moving Anthony Joshua's next fight to Abu Dhabi or Dubai

Promoter against idea of holding world champion's next fight behind closed doors in Britain

Anthony Joshua lands a big right on Andy Ruiz Jr during the British fighter's comprehensive victory in the heavyweight world title rematch in Saudi Arabia in December 2019. Getty

Anthony Joshua celebrates victory over Andy Ruiz Jr. Getty

British boxer Anthony Joshua (white trunks) competes with Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jr in Diriya. AFP

Joshua lands a right in his fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. AFP

Defending champion Andy Ruiz Jr trades blows with Anthony Joshua. AP

Joshua outclassed Andy Ruiz Jr for a unanimous points victory. AFP

Defending champion Andy Ruiz Jr takes a punch during his fight against Britain's Anthony Joshua. AP

Andy Ruiz Jr after losing on points to Britain's Anthony Joshua. PA

Andy Ruiz Jr trades blows with Anthony Joshua. PA

Andy Ruiz Jr tries to land a left Against Anthony Joshua. PA

Anthony Joshua poses with the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO world heavyweight title belts. Getty

Anthony Joshua's promoter says the world champion's next title defence may not be staged behind closed doors. despite the coronavirus crisis, and suggested UAE could be in line to host.

Eddie Hearn is considering moving Joshua's next fight against Kubrat Pulev, which was originally scheduled for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20.

The London bout has been postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic and Hearn would be willing to move it to the Middle East if an audience is allowed there.

Joshua beat Andy Ruiz to take the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles in Saudi Arabia in December.

Hearn has already suggested he might stage the clash between Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin in an empty venue, but the financial implications of doing the same with Joshua make it unworkable.

"We're not going to go to AJ and say, mate, there's £10 million less in the pot - we've got to get creative," Hearn told Boxing Social on Wednesday.

"These countries are going to be up and running a lot quicker than our country or America.

"Would Saudi or Dubai or Abu Dhabi be ready to stage an event in September or October? I think 100 per cent.

"If you can't get a live gate for the bigger fights we have to look elsewhere and that involves looking at other territories.

"Do I really want AJ to box behind closed doors? No. With what he has produced in terms of that live audience, I will be doing everything I can do make sure AJ doesn't fight behind closed doors."

The British Boxing Board of Control has issued a series of rules for the sport's prospective domestic return in July, including all shows taking place without fans, and trainers and officials wearing face-masks.