Tottenham Hotspur Stadium beckons for Anthony Joshua’s next UK fight

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Richard Parry9 December 2019

Anthony Joshua’s next UK fight could be held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as both the two-time world heavyweight champion and his promoter Eddie Hearn talked-up the prospect of fighting in N17.

Standard Sport first brought news of an possible AJ fight at Tottenham’s new state-of-the-art ground back in March 2019, with Hearn telling us exclusively that he would “love to emulate the old man and put on a fight at the new Spurs ground."

"Tottenham's new stadium looks magnificent. Its ultra-modern and state-of-the art,” said Hearn.

"I don't know what Spurs' plans are but it could be another option among several in London.

"With no roof you'd be limited to dates between April and September. But it looks perfect.

Two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World, Anthony Joshua, poses for pictures overlooking Riyadh Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

"It’s got to be on the radar for future big boxing events."

Hearn's father, Barry, staged his first boxing promotion at the old White Hart Lane when Frank Bruno beat Joe Bugner in 1987.

Bruno vs Bugner at White Hart Lane in 1987 Photo: Russell Cheyne/Getty Images
Russell Cheyne/Getty Images

And after Joshua regained the WBO, IBF and WBA (Super) titles with a unanimous points decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia, talk of a potential fight at Spurs resurfaced.

Hearn Jr told Sky Sports: "We spoke to Spurs about hosting this fight (the rematch against Ruiz), which they were keen to do, but unfortunately the dates didn't work out. They would be keen to do it and it would be a nice stadium to do it in London."

In Pictures | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

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Joshua, also speaking to Sky Sports, added: "I heard they [Tottenham] built a lovely stadium!"

“I have to be ready for this next fight. It’s one I have to win. If we’re talking about ‘undisputed’, if we’re talking about Tottenham [Hotspur] Stadium - stuff like that - these are the fights I have to win.”

That fight looks most likely to be against either Oleksandr Usyk or Kubrat Pulev , with WBO and IBF rules stipulating that AJ must face a mandatory challenger before talk of other opponents - including a third bout with Ruiz - can take place.

Joshua successfully defended his IBF title against Pulev at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium back in October 2017.

In Pictures | Anthony Joshua's professional fights

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Joshua’s last fight in the UK saw him successfully defend his world heavyweight titles against Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium in September 2018.

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