Frank Warren is confident that the highly anticipated heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will ultimately be staged in the United States, despite recent rumors suggesting the fight might be in jeopardy. The two British former world champions appeared to be on a clear path to a November showdown in London, but the Saudi‑backed promoters at Sela have expressed a strong preference for moving the event across the Atlantic, 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 publicly state last week that the matchup was "in serious doubt" because his opponent was demanding "more money" to make the London venue work. However, Warren, who handles Fury’s affairs, has moved to calm the speculation, insisting that the Gypsy King would also have liked the fight to stay in the UK. 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 those will be resolved shortly." He added that Fury has already travelled to the United States, currently based in Miami, and is training as if the fight were definitely heading to an American arena. Warren acknowledged that both fighters would love to see the bout at Wembley, but he stressed that the final decision now rests with the broadcasters and promoters who are pushing for a U.S. location.
"They could refuse to fight if they don’t get the venue they want, but the money involved is massive, and I think it will end up in America," he said. He also reminded listeners that staging a marquee fight outside the United Kingdom is far from unprecedented in boxing history. "You had two massive American heroes in Muhammad Ali and George Foreman," Warren noted. "Everyone in the U.S.
wanted to see them, Las Vegas was eager to host, Madison Square Garden was on board, and the fight ultimately went to Zaire. At the time people wondered why, but it became an iconic moment in sport." Warren drew parallels with other sports, citing David Beckham’s late‑career move abroad as a money‑driven decision, and pointed out that professional boxers often travel to where the financial incentives are greatest. "These guys are professionals; they go where the purse is highest," he explained.
The potential Fury‑Joshua clash has been a talking point throughout 2024, with fans eagerly awaiting a definitive answer. If the fight does move to the U.S., several venues are being discussed, including the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, or even a purpose‑built arena in Miami, where Fury is already training. Each location offers distinct advantages: New York provides a historic backdrop and massive media coverage; Las Vegas promises a glitzy, high‑stakes atmosphere and a ready fan base for heavyweight spectacles; Miami offers a more relaxed environment and could serve as a neutral ground for both fighters. From a logistical perspective, moving the fight to America would require renegotiating broadcast rights, adjusting ticketing structures, and coordinating with local athletic commissions.
The British Boxing Board of Control would still have a role in sanctioning the bout, but the primary regulatory authority would likely be the Nevada State Athletic Commission or the Florida State Boxing Commission, depending on the chosen venue. This shift could also affect the fighters' promotional tours, with press conferences and fan events potentially taking place in major U.S. cities rather than in London. Financially, the upside is significant.
A U.S. venue could attract a larger pay‑per‑view audience, higher gate receipts, and increased sponsorship deals, especially from American brands eager to associate with two of the sport’s biggest names. The fight could also be part of a larger boxing weekend featuring undercard bouts with other notable heavyweights, further boosting revenue. Despite the optimism, there remain hurdles.
Contractual disputes between Matchroom Boxing (which handles Joshua) and Frank Warren’s promotion company must be fully resolved. Additionally, the Saudi promoter’s desire for a U.S. location may clash with local promoter expectations in the UK, and any misstep could reignite the "serious doubt" narrative that Fury previously voiced. Nevertheless, Warren’s confidence appears rooted in the belief that the financial incentives outweigh the logistical challenges.
He concluded, "Would I like to see it at Wembley? Of course. Would the fans love it there? Absolutely.
But the decision now lies with the broadcasters and the promoters who are eyeing the American market. When the money is that big, it’s hard to argue against it." In summary, while the fight’s exact location remains unconfirmed, the consensus among insiders is that the Fury‑Joshua showdown is still on the horizon, with a strong likelihood of taking place on American soil. The next few weeks should bring a formal announcement from Turki Al‑Alsheikh, after which the two champions will likely finalize their training camps and promotional activities ahead of what promises to be one of the biggest heavyweight events in recent memory.