Frank Warren is confident that the much‑anticipated heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will eventually be staged on American soil, despite recent chatter suggesting the bout could be in jeopardy. All signs initially pointed toward a November meeting in London between the two British former world champions.
However, the Saudi‑backed promotion company Sela has expressed a strong preference for moving the event to the United States, creating a new set of complications. Eddie Hearn, who represents Joshua, has been vocal about keeping the fight in the UK capital. His stance prompted Fury to claim last week that the encounter was "in serious doubt" because his opponent was demanding "more money" to make the deal work. Warren, who handles Fury’s interests, has moved to calm those concerns.
He told Sky Sports News that he genuinely believes the fight will go ahead, and that the Saudi official Turki Al‑Alsheikh will soon issue a formal announcement confirming the details. "There have been some contract hiccups between Matchroom and AJ," Warren acknowledged, "but I am convinced those will be ironed out shortly." In the meantime, Fury has already flown to the United States and is currently based in Miami, where he is beginning his preparation camp for the bout. Warren added that both fighters would love to see the contest staged at Wembley Stadium, but the decision now rests with the broadcasters and promoters who are pushing for an American venue. "If the money is the driving factor, which it appears to be, I suspect the fight will end up in the US," he said.
He also noted that holding a major heavyweight clash outside the UK would not be unprecedented in boxing history. "Think back to the classic Ali‑Foreman meeting in Zaire for the 'Rumble in the Jungle.'" Warren recalled. "Muhammad Ali and George Foreman were both American, yet the fight was staged in Africa because the promoters and the host nation saw a huge commercial opportunity.
It became an iconic moment for the sport." Warren drew further parallels with other historic fights that took place far from the fighters' home countries. "Ali’s 'Thrilla in Manila' against Joe Frazier was held in the Philippines, and Joe Bugner fought Ali in Kuala Lumpur. Those locations were unusual at the time, but they added to the global appeal of the sport." He likened the situation to the career moves of famous athletes in other disciplines.
"When David Beckham moved abroad toward the end of his playing days, it was largely about the financial package he received. Professional boxers operate under the same logic – they follow the money and the opportunities that allow them to maximize their earnings and legacy." While acknowledging that British fans would love to see the fight on home turf, Warren emphasized that the ultimate decision lies with the television networks and promoters who are eyeing the lucrative American market.
"The fans would love Wembley, absolutely, but the broadcasters have their own agenda, and that agenda currently points to the United States." In summary, Warren’s message to the boxing world is clear: despite the logistical challenges and the vocal desire from both camps to keep the fight in London, the financial incentives and the involvement of Saudi‑backed promoters are likely to see the Fury‑Joshua showdown take place in the United States. He remains optimistic that any contractual disputes will be resolved and that the two heavyweights will finally meet in the ring, even if the venue is not the one originally envisioned by their UK supporters.