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 chatter suggesting the fight might be in jeopardy. The two British former world champions appeared to have all the pieces in place for a November showdown in London, but the Saudi‑backed promoters at 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 contest on British soil.
His insistence prompted Fury to voice concerns last week, describing the matchup as being in "serious doubt" because his rival’s camp was reportedly demanding a larger purse. Yet Warren, who handles Fury’s affairs, has moved to calm the speculation, emphasizing that the Gypsy King himself would have liked the fight to happen 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 contractual hiccups between Matchroom and AJ, but I believe those will be ironed out." He added that Fury has already travelled to Miami and is training for the bout, underscoring the fighter’s commitment regardless of the final location. Warren acknowledged that both camps would love to see the event at Wembley, but he stressed that the ultimate decision rests with the broadcasters and promoters who are pushing for 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 said. He also pointed out that staging a marquee fight outside the United Kingdom would not be unprecedented in boxing history.
"You had two massive American heroes in Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. All the Americans wanted to see it, Vegas wanted to host it, Madison Square Garden wanted it, and it ended up in Zaire. Everybody wondered why, but it became an iconic moment in sport," Warren explained. Warren drew parallels to other famous sporting events, noting that Ali’s legendary "Thrilla in Manila" with Joe Frazier, as well as Ali’s bout against Joe Bugner in Kuala Lumpur, showed that location can be fluid when the stakes are high.
He likened the situation to football legend David Beckham’s late‑career move abroad, which was largely motivated by financial considerations. "These guys are professional boxers," Warren said.
"They’re looking at the biggest payday they can secure, and that often means traveling to where the money is. Of course, fans would love to see the fight at Wembley, but the decision is in the hands of a broadcaster that prefers an American stage." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already packed with major events, and the Fury‑Joshua clash is expected to be a headline attraction. Fans worldwide are eager for a definitive answer, as the two fighters have dominated the heavyweight division for years and a head‑to‑head would settle many debates.
If the fight does move to the United States, it could follow a pattern similar to past cross‑border spectacles. The 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" between Ali and Foreman took place in Zaire, far from either fighter’s home country, yet it became one of the most celebrated bouts in history.
Likewise, the 1975 "Thrilla in Manila" demonstrated that a compelling narrative can transcend geography. From a logistical perspective, an American venue offers several advantages: larger pay‑per‑view audiences, higher gate receipts, and the potential for a prime‑time broadcast on major US networks. The involvement of Saudi promoter Turki Al‑Alsheikh adds another layer of complexity, as his organization has the financial clout to secure a lucrative deal, but also the interest in expanding boxing’s global footprint.
Warren’s optimism is rooted in the belief that money talks louder than national pride in modern professional sports. While the British public may feel a sense of ownership over their two heavyweight icons, the reality of boxing economics often dictates that the biggest purse and the widest exposure win out.
In summary, Warren assures that despite contractual negotiations and venue debates, the Fury‑Joshua fight is still on the table and is likely to materialise in the United States. The fight would continue the tradition of historic, location‑defying bouts that have captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Whether at Wembley or in an American arena, the clash promises to be a defining moment for the heavyweight division and a testament to the global nature of modern boxing.