Frank Warren has confirmed where and when Tyson Fury’s next fight will take place after hitting back at Anthony Joshua’s team.
The ‘Gypsy King’ last defended his WBC belt against Derek Chisora in December but has since struggled to find an opponent. Negotiations over an undisputed title clash with Oleksandr Usyk fell through, leading Fury’s team to pursue a new round of talks over a showdown with Anthony Joshua.
However, ‘AJ’ is planning to fight in August, with promoter Eddie Hearn confirming an offer has been made to Dillian Whyte, ahead of a possible clash with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia at the end of the year. This has left a question mark over Fury’s next fight but Warren has given an update on the situation.
READ: Tyson Fury warned by Oleksandr Usyk manager ahead of 'take it or leave it' fight offer
Speaking to Talksport, the Queensbury promoter confirmed that Fury is set for a UK fight in September, regardless of his opponent. "I hope we can get the contract signed. We have got a couple of options there with one of the guys we are negotiating with, we will announce it in due course,” he explained.
“Because what do we keep doing? Putting out names and then it doesn't happen."
Initial talks with Joshua ended in September after Fury issued quick-fire deadlines for contracts to be signed on social media, despite agreeing a 60/40 purse split. However, Warren insists that ‘AJ’s’ team are not interested in fighting for the WBC belt as they target the Wilder fight in Saudi Arabia, in an event that could also involve Fury and Usyk.
"But you know what, there was no intention to get it over the line because all (Joshua’s tem) are interested in (is money), as most sportspeople are,” Warren continued. “Golfers, Formula 1, they are all going to Saudi because Saudi are making it a destination for big sport.
"They are putting a truckload of money up and that is where Usyk's head is and AJ's head is."
Warren hit back at claims from Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn that Fury had priced himself out of a fight with AJ and questioned Matchroom’s decision to pursue a fight with Whyte, who Fury defeated last year. Joshua looked far from his best against Jermaine Franklin in April but Warren believes Fury is still the best option for the Olympic gold medalist.
"So he is going to fight the guy who Tyson absolutely destroyed last April rather than fight Tyson for the world title and 40 per cent of the money?” he added. “Or if you don't fight Dillian Whyte, why is he going to fight (Filip) Hrgovic, who is in their camp? Doubt it. He doesn't want to fight, he is terrified and (Eddie Hearn) is talking rubbish.”
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