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 speculation that the fight might be in jeopardy. The two British former world champions appeared to be on a clear path to a showdown in London this November, but the involvement of Saudi promoter Sela, who is now pushing for an American venue, has introduced 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 opponent’s camp was reportedly demanding a larger purse.
Nonetheless, Warren, who handles Fury’s promotional affairs, has moved to calm the nerves of fans and the media, emphasizing that the Gypsy King would have liked the fight 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 ironed out." He added that Fury is already in the United States, currently based in Miami, and is training for the encounter.
Warren acknowledged that both fighters have expressed a desire to see the bout staged at Wembley Stadium, yet he noted that the ultimate decision now rests with the broadcasters and promoters who are eyeing the lucrative American market. "They could refuse to fight if they don’t get the venue they want, but the reality is that the money involved is massive. I hope I’m wrong, but I think the fight will end up in America," he said.
He also placed the potential relocation in a broader historical context, pointing out that moving a major fight abroad is far from unprecedented in boxing history. "You had two massive American heroes in Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
The whole world wanted to see them, Las Vegas wanted to host the fight, Madison Square Garden was eager, and eventually the match went to Zaire. Everybody wondered why, but it became an iconic moment in sport," Warren explained. Warren continued by citing other famous cross‑border contests: the "Thrilla in Manila" between Ali and Joe Frazier, and a lesser‑known bout between Ali and Joe Bugner in Kuala Lumpur. He argued that, just as football legend David Beckham moved abroad in the twilight of his career for financial reasons, modern boxers are also professionals who must consider the financial implications of where they fight.
The promoter stressed that while fans would love to see the clash on home turf, the decision is now in the hands of a broadcaster that prefers an American setting. He reiterated that the fight’s location does not diminish its significance; rather, it could enhance the global reach of the sport and generate even greater revenue for both athletes. In addition to the venue debate, Warren touched on the broader boxing calendar for 2026, noting that several high‑profile fights are already being mapped out.
He encouraged fans to stay tuned to streaming platforms like NOW for contract‑free access to upcoming bouts and to follow the weekly Toe2Toe podcast for insider analysis. Overall, Warren’s message was clear: despite the logistical and contractual obstacles, the Fury‑Joshua showdown is still very much alive, and the likelihood of it being staged in the United States is high. He urged supporters to keep an eye out for an official announcement from Turki Al‑Alsheikh, which he expects to arrive soon, and to prepare for what could become one of the most memorable heavyweight clashes of the decade, regardless of whether it takes place at Wembley or across the Atlantic in an American arena.