The Matchroom Boxing CEO explained during an interview at the Dalton Smith versus Alberto Puello press conference that Joshua has fulfilled every obligation.
“We signed a contract for the fight to take place this year in the UK. As far as we’re concerned, we’re delivering upon everything we said we’d do. We’re not the ones in the position trying to change anything,” said Smith to DAZN Boxing.
Netflix increased speculation by releasing a Fury versus Joshua promotional trailer this week. Smith dismissed its significance, noting that the bout itself had been agreed months earlier. The disagreement concerns the location.
“If you want to have a discussion about changing it, then that’s a discussion to be had. That’s a discussion Eddie has had and is in talks with, but nothing’s changed.”
Smith also challenged Dana White’s claim that he helped secure Madison Square Garden. White does not promote Joshua and holds no authority to commit him to a venue.
“We are Anthony Joshua’s exclusive promoters throughout the rest of his career. We’ve worked with him since day one, and Dana White’s lies are unraveling in front of him.”
Insisting on the original plan carries risk if neither side compromises. The event may fall apart, leaving Joshua with less appealing alternatives. A Daniel Dubois rematch or a meeting with Moses Itauma would place him against younger, dangerous opponents without generating equivalent financial returns.
Another stoppage defeat would severely damage Joshua’s drawing power while draining the remaining public interest in a nostalgic clash with Fury. Matchroom holds contractual leverage, yet pushing too hard may cost Joshua his most lucrative remaining option.
Smith maintained that Matchroom requested a British venue during the original negotiations and met no resistance.
“We wanted it in the UK. That’s what we agreed to, and they agreed to it. Everyone was happy. No one raised a concern with it. It’s only subsequently that there is an issue.”
New York can only host the bout if Matchroom receives sufficient compensation to approve an amendment. Until the paperwork reflects that change, reports presenting Madison Square Garden as official remain premature.
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