Matchroom Boxing is expected to submit an addendum outlining the key conditions required to move forward with the proposed Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury heavyweight showdown at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 20.
According to reports, Eddie Hearn's promotional company remains firm on one major issue: Zuffa Boxing would not be permitted to promote the event. Sela, the Saudi-backed event and entertainment company, is viewed as the most likely option to oversee the promotion as a compromise.
While the complete list of requirements has not been made public, the proposed agreement is said to cover standard matters such as ticket allocations, security arrangements and transportation. Matchroom also wants assurances that Joshua receives the remainder of his purse from his second-round knockout victory over Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on July 25.
The discussions come amid Matchroom's ongoing relationship with Sela, which is closely connected to Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh. At the same time, Alalshikh's growing relationship with Zuffa Boxing and Dana White has added another layer of tension to the negotiations.
The November 20 event could also feature a strong supporting card built around several major Matchroom fights. Although none of the bouts have been officially finalized, the proposed lineup includes a bantamweight unification between three-division champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and WBC titleholder Christian Medina.
Other potential fights include Jack Catterall against Keyshawn Davis for a secondary WBA welterweight title, as well as a heavyweight clash between Murat Gassiev and Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller for the WBA championship. Australian heavyweight Teremoana Jnr and Britain's Odel Kamara are also being considered for spots on the card.
Separate discussions between Matchroom and Sela have reportedly involved outstanding financial matters unrelated to the proposed Joshua-Fury event. Those discussions include payments connected to previous boxing events, future darts and snooker competitions, international promotional fees and deposits for upcoming events.
Matchroom has also sought confirmation regarding the renewal of the Ronnie O’Sullivan Academy license for a third year, along with the early payment of future invoices.
As negotiations continue, the central question remains whether the parties can reach an agreement that satisfies Matchroom's conditions while keeping the highly anticipated Joshua-Fury fight on course for New York.
