Promoter says venue talks remain ongoing but expects the heavyweight rivals to meet later this year
Frank Warren says Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua remain on course to finally meet later this year, dismissing suggestions that venue discussions could derail the fight. The Hall of Fame promoter expects an announcement after both heavyweights complete their interim bouts.
“It’s on, the fight is on, unless either of them get beaten in these two fights they’re going to have, the fight is on, no problems,” Warren told Sky Sports.
Speculation has grown in recent weeks about where the heavyweight clash will be staged, with reports suggesting the fight could land in the United States rather than the United Kingdom. Warren said no decision has been made on the venue and stressed that all parties involved still need to reach an agreement.
“Nothing’s been decided yet,” said Warren. “Sela, who the contract’s with Tyson, and I assume the same with AJ, they obviously have their preference where it will go. Netflix, who will broadcast it, they’re going to have their preference. At the end of the day, everybody has got to agree and be satisfied.”
Warren also made it clear that venue discussions are not threatening the fight itself.
“I don’t see any problems in getting this fight on. Everybody will get satisfied,” he said. “Let them get their respective fights out the way. Once that’s done, then there will be an announcement,” said Warren.
Before Fury and Joshua can meet, both are expected to take interim bouts. Joshua returns on July 25 against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, while Fury is expected to have a tune-up fight of his own, although no opponent, date, or location has been announced.
Turki Alalshikh said on June 21 that no decision had been made regarding the date or venue for Fury versus Joshua. Warren’s comments reinforce that position, while indicating the heavyweight rivals are still headed toward a late-autumn clash if they come through their tune-up fights.