Frank Warren is confident that the much‑anticipated heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will ultimately be staged on American soil, despite recent speculation that 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 involvement of Saudi‑backed promoter Sela, which has expressed a strong preference for a U.S.
venue, has introduced a new layer of complexity. Eddie Hearn, the promoter who represents Joshua, has been vocal about keeping the contest in the British capital, a stance that prompted Fury to voice his concerns last week. Fury claimed the negotiations were "in serious doubt" because his rival’s camp was demanding a larger purse.
However, Warren, who handles Fury’s affairs, has moved to calm the rumors, insisting that the Gypsy King would have welcomed a fight on home turf just as much as his opponent. 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 believe they will be ironed out." He added that Fury has already travelled to the United States, currently based in Miami, where he is beginning his training camp in preparation for the showdown. Warren acknowledged that both fighters would love to see the event staged at Wembley Stadium, but he emphasized that the final decision now rests with the broadcasters and promoters who are pushing for an American location. "They could refuse to fight if the venue isn’t what they want, and we might not get the fight the fans are hoping for," he warned.
"Because of the massive financial stakes involved, I hope I’m wrong, but I think the fight will end up in America." He placed the prospective transatlantic move in a broader historical context, noting that holding a marquee bout outside of the United Kingdom is not unprecedented in boxing lore. "You had two massive American heroes in Muhammad Ali and George Foreman," Warren recalled. "All the Americans wanted to see it, Vegas wanted to host it, Madison Square Garden was eager, and the fight eventually went to Zaire. Everybody wondered why, but it became an iconic moment in sport." Warren also referenced other famous fights that took place far from the fighters' home countries.
"Ali’s ‘Thrilla in Manila’ with Joe Frazier, and even Joe Bugner’s bout with Ali in Kuala Lumpur, show that geography isn’t a barrier when the money and the spectacle are right," he explained. He drew a parallel to football legend David Beckham, who moved abroad toward the end of his career largely for financial reasons, underscoring that professional athletes often make decisions based on earnings and exposure.
The promoter stressed that both Fury and Joshua are seasoned professionals whose primary objective is to secure the best possible financial terms while delivering a fight that lives up to the hype. "They are doing this because they are professional boxers," Warren said. "Would I like to see it at Wembley? Absolutely – the fans would love it.
But the ultimate authority lies with the broadcaster that prefers an American setting." In addition to the venue debate, Warren hinted that negotiations are progressing on the contractual front. He believes that once the remaining issues between Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn’s camp are resolved, a formal announcement will follow swiftly. The involvement of Saudi dignitary Turki Al‑Alsheikh, who has been instrumental in arranging high‑profile fights in recent years, is expected to bring the final piece of the puzzle into place. If the fight does move to the United States, it could be staged in a major venue such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas or the Barclays Center in New York, both of which have a storied history of hosting heavyweight spectacles.
A U.S. location would also open the door to a larger pay‑per‑view audience, potentially boosting the fighters’ earnings well beyond what a London event could generate. Regardless of the final decision, the boxing world remains eager for the clash of the two biggest names in the heavyweight division.
Fury, known for his charismatic personality and unorthodox style, and Joshua, celebrated for his technical precision and knockout power, promise a night of high drama and athletic excellence. Fans across the globe are watching closely, hoping that the negotiations will conclude favorably and that the bout will deliver on the massive expectations that have built up over years of speculation. In summary, Frank Warren’s optimism reflects a broader belief that the fight will not be cancelled, but rather relocated.
While the ideal scenario for many British supporters is a Wembley showdown, the financial realities and the influence of powerful promoters suggest that an American venue may be the most viable path forward. The next few weeks will be crucial as contracts are finalized, promotional announcements are made, and the two champions fine‑tune their preparations for what could become one of the defining heavyweight battles of the decade.