Frank Warren remains confident that the much‑anticipated heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will ultimately be staged in America, despite recent chatter suggesting the fight might be in jeopardy. The two British former world champions appeared to be on track for a showdown in London this November, but the Saudi‑backed promoters at Sela have expressed a strong preference for an American venue, creating a new set of complications. Eddie Hearn, the man who represents Joshua, has been vocal about keeping the fight on British soil. His insistence prompted Fury to voice concerns last week, describing the matchup as being in "serious doubt" because his opponent was allegedly demanding a larger purse.
Nevertheless, Warren, who handles Fury’s affairs, has moved to calm the rumors, emphasizing that the Gypsy King would have liked the contest to happen in the UK as well. 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 contractual hiccups between Matchroom and AJ, but I’m confident they will be resolved." He added that Fury is already in the United States, training out of Miami, and preparing for the fight as if the location were already settled. Warren acknowledged that both fighters would love to see the event at Wembley Stadium, but he pointed out that the decision now rests with the broadcasters and promoters who stand to benefit financially from an American setting.
"Because of the amount of money involved, I hope I’m wrong, but I think it will go on in America," he concluded. He also reminded listeners that staging a major bout outside of the United Kingdom is far from unprecedented in boxing history.
"You had two massive American heroes in Muhammad Ali and George Foreman," Warren noted. "Both fighters wanted to fight in the United States, Las Vegas wanted to host the fight, Madison Square Garden was eager, and eventually the match was moved to Zaire for the famous 'Rumble in the Jungle.' Everyone wondered why, but it became an iconic moment in sport." Warren drew further parallels, citing Ali’s legendary "Thrilla in Manila" against Joe Frazier and even a lesser‑known bout between Ali and Joe Bugner in Kuala Lumpur, underscoring that geography has never stopped marquee fights from happening.
He likened the situation to football legend David Beckham’s late‑career move abroad, explaining that athletes often relocate for financial reasons. "These guys are professional boxers, and they make decisions based on their careers and earnings," Warren said.
While the fan base in Britain would undoubtedly love to witness the clash at Wembley, the reality of modern boxing promotion means that television rights, sponsorship deals, and the lure of the American pay‑per‑view market can outweigh local sentiment. The United States remains the biggest commercial hub for heavyweight boxing, offering larger gate receipts, higher‑profile media coverage, and a broader global audience. If the fight does shift to the U.S., several venues are already being discussed. Las Vegas’s iconic MGM Grand and the T-Mobile Arena have both hosted major heavyweight events in recent years, and the city’s infrastructure for large‑scale fights is unmatched.
Miami, where Fury is currently training, could also serve as a convenient staging point, providing a familiar environment for the champion while still delivering a U.S. market payoff.
In any case, the negotiations are expected to focus on three core elements: the split of the purse, the location of the event, and the broadcast partnership. Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing has traditionally favored UK venues, while Warren’s partnership with Sela and Saudi interests appears to be pushing for an American setting that maximizes revenue. Both promoters will need to reconcile these priorities before a final agreement is signed.
Fans worldwide are watching closely, and the anticipation remains high. The Fury‑Joshua fight promises to be a defining moment for the heavyweight division, potentially reshaping the landscape of the sport for years to come. Whether it ends up under the bright lights of Wembley or the neon glow of Las Vegas, the clash will undoubtedly capture the imagination of boxing enthusiasts across the globe.