Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematch in November/December could be in Nigeria or three possible venues back home in the UK, according to Eddie Hearn.
The fight could also take place back at MSG in New York or in a more obscure African/Asian location as the camp are currently considering all offers for what has become a global heavyweight event after last week’s stunning upset.
Andy Ruiz Jr knocked Anthony Joshua down four times, causing a seventh-round stoppage.
While it was initially assumed that the second bout would undoubtedly be back in Britain, Hearn has revealed that Joshua is tempted to return to the States in an attempt to vanquish his New York demons.
The promoter told iFL TV: “AJ said, ‘Do you think it would be a big statement if I came back and put the wrong right at MSG?’
UK Prospects for Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Rematch
“I said, ‘From a marketing, fairy-tale perspective – yeah, absolutely. But you have to win this fight and you’re at a much bigger advantage if this fight’s in the UK.’
“For me, the fight should be in the UK. You came to Andy Ruiz’s country to take this fight, it doesn’t make you a bad person having a rematch in the UK.
Anthony Joshua previously beat Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin at Wembley
“But he’s the kind of sick individual who’s so competitive that, I think in his mind, to put it right there [at MSG] would be a statement people never forget.”
On the UK side of things, Hearn explained that three stadiums are in contention to possibly host the bout.
READ ALSO: High blood pressure: Drinking this juice daily could help lower your reading
“There are discussions for White Hart Lane, Wembley and Cardiff [Principality],” he continued.
“I think AJ likes the Wembley fight, obviously he’s had a lot of good nights there, but in November the weather is not the best, potentially.
“But does that suit us more? I don’t know how Andy Ruiz likes it in the rain.”
Tottenham’s new stadium has been touted as a potential venue
Elsewhere in the world, venues in Africa and Asia have also made approaches, though the frontrunners remain either MSG in New York or a British stadium.
When asked if any wildcard options had came to the fore, Hearn told Fight Hub: “Lots actually, in the Middle-East – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi.
“We’ve had some approaches from Nigeria. So it’s possible the Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematch in November/December could be in Nigeria. Although, I still think the favourites are UK or the US.”