Saudi Arabia are set to break the bank and fork out a record nine-figure sum to host Anthony Joshua’s eagerly-awaited heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury.
Both fighters have agreed in principle to a clash in the Middle East this summer with the final details being determined before the bout can be officially announced.
There were several mega-money offers on the table but Saudi won the approval of both camps, with the bout expected to take place in late July or early August.
And ESPN report the site fee for the clash stands around a staggering $150million (£108m), with both Joshua and Fury each set to pocket a cool $75m (£54m) from the event.
That figure completely eclipses that of one of Joshua’s most recent bouts against Andy Ruiz Jr, for which the total site fee was a mere $60m by comparison.
Several millions have also been set aside to fund the undercard for what promises to be the biggest sporting event of 2021.
The bout is looking likely to take place in an indoor venue in Jeddah, with tentative proposed dates of July 24, July 31 and August 7 believed to be under consideration.
Earlier this week Fury’s promoter Frank Warren said: “We’ve not had an offer which we feel is suitable and we are awaiting an amended offer.
“We all have a will for this fight to happen, it is a no brainer for us to get it on. It is when it goes on and where it goes on, and a couple of other issues that need resolved.
“Until we get a binding deal memo we are where we are.”
But Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is still working furiously to get the deal over the line and insisted: “There have been drafts going backwards and forwards between our lawyers and [Fury’s US promoter] Top Rank’s lawyers. It’s close. Zero hold-up.”
Fury is currently keeping in shape out in Las Vegas and has even got a venue on hold in the area for the end of June as a back-up option.
And the Gypsy King has been busy getting tips on facing his fellow Brit after meeting the aforementioned Ruiz Jr out in Sin City.
