The boxing promotor Eddie Hearn has claimed that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is in the running to host the Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz rematch.
In an interview with iFL TV’s Kugan Cassius, Hearn was quizzed as to whether the new Spurs stadium was being considered as a venue for Joshua v Ruiz II. Hearn confirmed that this was the case, with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium competing with Wembley Stadium and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff if the event takes place in the UK. Madison Square Gardens in New York, which was the venue for the first fight, is another possibility, should it be decided to host the bout in the US.
Hearn admits that he wants the fight to take place in the UK, while Joshua himself is considering the option of returning to the scene of his shock defeat in the US, as he looks to regain his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles. Joshua has fought twice at both Wembley and the Millennium Stadium. Hearn claims that a decision on a venue will be made within the next two weeks.
With the fight likely to take place in November or December, the Millennium Stadium has the advantage of having a roof to protect the spectators at pitch level from any potential rain. Wembley has the biggest capacity and was the venue for Joshua’s greatest triumph, with Hearn stating that the fighter has a preference for the rematch being hosted at the national stadium.
Where the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has an advantage is the quality of experience it could offer the fans that attend. No other stadium can come close to the eating and drinking facilities available at Spurs, while the steep stands would give better views than would be possible at Wembley or Cardiff, which creates the opportunity to charge higher prices which could offset the difference in capacity.
Even if Tottenham’s new stadium is not chosen, it seems likely that it will be hosting boxing before long. It is better suited to host boxing than any other stadium in the UK and sits conveniently in-between the capacity of London’s biggest indoor venue the O2 and that of Wembley. Here’s where Hearn was asked about the potential venue for the fight.
