London (AFP) – Promoter Frank Warren has refused to say if the ‘Battle of Britain’ between former world heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will take place in the United Kingdom or the United States.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, insisted last month the bout must take place in the UK under the terms of the fight deal signed by both camps, with London’s Wembley Stadium seemingly the most likely venue. However, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh reportedly wants to stage the contest at a time that would attract the largest global audience.
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If the fight were to be held at Wembley, any plans to stage the bout with a 2:00 am (0200 GMT) start would require an exemption from the stadium’s curfew restrictions. There would be no such issues should the long-awaited contest be held instead at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Asked on Thursday if November 20 in New York was the correct date and location for the fight, Warren – Fury’s promoter – said: “That at this moment I can’t comment on. That will be up to his Excellency (Alalshikh) to announce when he is ready to announce it… I believe the fight will go on in November.”
As for the prospect of a Wembley clash between the rivals, Warren said: “Of course I do (sympathise with British fans) but they contacted Wembley didn’t they and asked if they would push the time back and as far as I understand that has not happened.”
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