Ben Shalom Slams Idea of Fury vs Joshua Taking Place in the United States

The highly anticipated matchup between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury has taken a dramatic turn.

Current negotiations for the venue have sailed away from the British Isles, heading toward America. Obstacles in the UK include local curfews, venue availability, and broadcast capabilities. Right now, locations like Madison Square Garden appear to be in the running to host the biggest fight in British boxing history.

A fundamental shift in the circumstances surrounding the Fury-Joshua fight could have wide-ranging, potentially troublesome implications. First and foremost, the most ardent British boxing fan will need to watch the fight at what they would consider odd hours that don't cater to them.

One of the hopes that initially began when the fight started to materialize was that local English officials would vote to waive the 2 a.m. curfew at Wembley Stadium - a move that would allow American fans to watch the fight on primetime.

Local councils would not extend those exemptions, however. Under those circumstances, that meant the fight's main promoter needed to shift his strategy. If the fight can't be held in the UK, Riyadh Season under Turki Alalshikh wants to continue strengthening its foothold in the United States by staging tentpole events to draw more fans back to the sport. But not everyone agrees with that thinking.

Backlash against Fury-Joshua in the United States

Anthony Joshua | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom didn't mince words when he offered his thoughts when discussing the issue with talkSPORT.

"If it happens, the fact it might not happen in the UK is a disgrace. If you told me that two years ago, I'd have literally laughed at you. I don't give a shit; we are all debating 'I know where it is.' It has to happen in the UK. If it doesn't happen in the UK, shame on anyone involved if it isn't in the UK."

Shalom makes valid points. The United Kingdom calls both Joshua and Fury their favorite sons. In 2008, Fury fought in his first professional fight at the National Ice Center in Nottingham. Joshua's second fight was held at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield. Those fans, at the grassroots level, supported the fighters as their own. Now, they may not get the opportunity to see them fight on British soil.

Instead of a train, short ferry, or plane ride, British fans would need to invest heavily to attend the fight. For instance, the average flight cost from London to New York ranges from $500 to $850, according to Google. However, this cost does not include additional expenses such as fees, local transportation, food, and lodging. Fans who wish to attend will likely also face challenges with ticket availability.

Add us as a preferred source on Google