Frank Warren remains confident that the long‑awaited heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will ultimately be staged in the United States, even though recent reports have suggested the bout’s future may be uncertain. The two British former world champions appeared to be on track for a November meeting in London, but the Saudi‑backed promoters behind the event, led by Sela, have expressed a strong preference for an American venue, creating a new set of complications.
Eddie Hearn, who represents Joshua, has been vocal about keeping the fight on British soil, a stance that prompted Fury to claim last week that the contest was "in serious doubt" because his opponent was demanding "more money". Despite those comments, Warren – who handles Fury’s affairs – has moved to calm the growing speculation that the fight could be cancelled altogether. He insists that the Gypsy King would have liked the bout to happen in the UK as well, but acknowledges that the final decision now rests with the promoters and broadcasters who are pushing for a U.S.
location. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Warren said: "I genuinely think it will happen.
His Excellency, Turki Al‑Alsheikh, will announce it very soon. I know there have been some contract issues between Matchroom and AJ; I believe they will iron all those out." He added that Fury is already in the United States, currently based in Miami, and is continuing his preparation for the fight. Warren also addressed the fan‑base’s desire to see the fight at Wembley Stadium. "I think they both want the fight at Wembley, but it’s out of their hands now.
That’s not quite right – they could refuse to fight. We don’t get the fight we want to see," he explained. He suggested that the financial stakes involved make an American venue more likely, stating, "I hope I’m wrong, but I think it will go on in America." He placed the potential relocation in a broader historical context, noting that moving high‑profile fights across borders is not unprecedented.
"You had two massive American heroes in Muhammad Ali and George Foreman," Warren recalled. "All the Americans wanted to see it, Vegas wanted to put the fight on, Madison Square Garden wanted to see it, and it went off to Zaire. Everybody thought: ‘What on earth was that all about?’ But it became an iconic fight and an iconic moment in sport." Warren continued, drawing parallels with other legendary bouts that took place outside the fighters’ home countries. "Ali had the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ with Joe Frazier.
Joe Bugner fought Ali in Kuala Lumpur – it’s nothing unusual. I think it’s like all sportsmen, for example David Beckham, who went abroad at the end of his career because of the money. And that’s why these guys are doing this – they are professional boxers." He concluded by acknowledging the fans’ preference while recognizing the commercial realities that drive the decision‑making process.
"Would I like to see it at Wembley? Would all the fans like to see it at Wembley? Of course they would. But they are in the hands of another broadcaster who wants the fight in America." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already filling up with major events, and the Fury‑Joshua clash remains one of the most anticipated match‑ups of the year.
If the fight does move to the United States, it could be staged in a high‑profile arena such as Madison Square Garden or a major venue in Las Vegas, both of which have a long history of hosting marquee heavyweight contests. The shift could also open up new revenue streams through American pay‑per‑view (PPV) deals and sponsorships, potentially increasing the purse for both fighters beyond what a UK‑based fight might generate. From a logistical standpoint, moving the bout across the Atlantic would involve renegotiating broadcasting rights, adjusting travel and training schedules, and ensuring that both fighters receive the necessary medical clearances under U.S. athletic commission regulations.
However, Warren’s confidence suggests that these hurdles are manageable and that the promoters are already working toward a resolution. For British fans, the prospect of traveling to the U.S. to see their champions clash may be disappointing, but the chance to witness a historic heavyweight encounter on a global stage could also be seen as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity.
Moreover, the fight’s placement on an American card could attract a wider international audience, further cementing Fury and Joshua’s legacies in the sport. In summary, while the venue remains a point of contention, Frank Warren’s statements indicate that the fight is still very much alive and may soon be confirmed for an American setting. The combination of financial incentives, historical precedent, and the desire to deliver a blockbuster event appears to be tipping the scales toward a U.S.
showdown, even as fans continue to hope for a Wembley spectacle. The final decision will likely be announced in the coming weeks, and when it does, the boxing world will be poised for what could become one of the defining heavyweight battles of the decade.