Former WBA champion Anthony Crolla has reignited debate over the venue for the long-awaited Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury showdown, insisting the fight must be staged in the UK.

The “Battle of Britain” was initially lined up for September before Joshua’s involvement in a tragic car crash in Nigeria last December, which claimed the lives of two close friends.

Joshua’s future in boxing remains uncertain, with the former unified heavyweight champion only speaking publicly about the loss of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Despite the uncertainty, Crolla believes any eventual fight between Joshua and Fury should take place on British soil.

He argued that a clash between two of the UK’s greatest heavyweights should not be exported purely for financial gain.

Crolla named Old Trafford and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as ideal venues, while acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s financial power and elite production standards.

However, he insisted the legacy, atmosphere and national significance of the fight outweigh any overseas incentives.

Speaking to The Sun, Crolla admitted he would be disappointed if the bout were staged in Saudi Arabia.

While praising the quality of events he has worked on there, he maintained that Fury vs Joshua belongs in Britain.

Meanwhile, Tyson Fury has already mapped out his return, with the “Gypsy King” set to come out of retirement to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.