Frank Warren believes that the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will ultimately be staged in the United States, despite recent rumors suggesting the bout could be in jeopardy. All the pieces appeared to be falling into place for the two British former world champions to square off in London during November.
However, the Saudi‑backed promotion company Sela has expressed a strong preference for moving the event across the Atlantic, creating a new obstacle for the negotiations. Eddie Hearn, who represents Joshua, has been vocal about keeping the fight on British soil.
His stance prompted Fury to comment last week that the matchup was in "serious doubt" because his rival was allegedly demanding "more money" to stay in the capital. Warren, who handles Fury’s affairs, stepped in to calm the growing anxiety. He insisted that the Gypsy King would have liked the fight to happen in the UK, but he remains optimistic that the bout will still materialise, even if it ends up on American turf.
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 iron those out.
In the meantime, Tyson has already flown to the States – he’s in Miami now, training for the fight." He added that both fighters have expressed a desire to see the contest held at Wembley, yet the ultimate decision now lies with the broadcasters and promoters who are pushing for a U.S. venue. "They could refuse to fight, but we don’t get the fight we want to see," Warren explained.
"Because of the amount of money at stake, I hope I’m wrong, but I think it will go ahead in America." Warren also reminded listeners that holding a marquee bout outside the United Kingdom would not be unprecedented in boxing history. He cited the legendary 1974 encounter between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire as an example of a fight that defied geographic expectations yet became iconic. "You had two massive American heroes in Ali and 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 turned into a historic moment," he said. He continued, drawing parallels to other notable cross‑border contests: "Ali later fought the 'Thrilla in Manila' against Joe Frazier, and Joe Bugner met Ali in Kuala Lumpur. Those locations were unusual, but they added to the sport’s global appeal." Warren likened the situation to the career of football star David Beckham, who moved abroad toward the end of his playing days largely for financial reasons. "These guys are professional boxers, and they make decisions based on the money and the exposure they’ll receive," Warren noted.
While he acknowledged that fans would love to watch the Fury‑Joshua clash at Wembley, he stressed that the final call rests with the television network and promoters who have a vested interest in an American setting. "Would I like to see it at Wembley? Absolutely. Would the fans?
Of course. But the broadcasters want the fight in America, and that’s where the money and the market are right now," he concluded. In summary, despite the logistical challenges and the tug‑of‑war between UK‑based promoters and Saudi‑backed organizers, Warren remains confident that the heavyweight duel will not be cancelled.
Whether the venue ends up being the iconic Wembley Stadium or a venue in Miami or Las Vegas, the fight is expected to proceed, delivering the long‑awaited clash between two of Britain’s most celebrated pugilists. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to fill with other marquee events, and fans can stay updated through streaming platforms and podcasts such as the Toe2Toe series, which regularly analyses upcoming fights and the business side of the sport. As the negotiations progress, the boxing world watches closely, hoping that the Fury‑Joshua showdown will finally be confirmed, even if it means crossing the Atlantic to deliver a historic night of heavyweight action.