Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’s long-awaited heavyweight clash could be staged in the United States instead of the United Kingdom, with Madison Square Garden in New York emerging as the preferred venue. Reports indicate Netflix has shifted negotiations towards America, with a Friday night event and November 20 among the dates being considered.

Although promoter Eddie Hearn insists Anthony Joshua’s contract requires the fight to take place in the UK, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is reportedly pushing for an American venue to maximise the global television audience. The blockbuster contest is expected to generate a purse of more than £100 million.

The proposed venue change has disappointed many British boxing fans, who believe the fight belongs at Wembley Stadium. Sports journalist Chris Mannix described the move as a major blow to UK supporters, while Joshua’s former training partner, Richard Riakporhe, revealed the former heavyweight champion has spent years preparing for a showdown with Fury after previous negotiations collapsed.