Tyson Fury’s UK promoter has all but ruled out the heavyweight undisputed fight against Oleksandr Usyk taking place in the UK.
The boxing world is buzzing at the prospect of witnessing a heavyweight champion holding all the belts for the first time since Lennox Lewis in 2000.
Whilst there is a lot to be grateful for – namely that both parties want the fight – UK fans will be disappointed to hear that Fury’s opportunity at undisputed won’t be held on British soil. Frank Warren explained the reasoning to TalkSPORT.
“At the end of the day, it’s where the most money can be generated. There would [be huge demand to have it in the UK], but where would you put it on? We wouldn’t be able to put it on until next year. It’s no good going to the Millennium Stadium, it doesn’t hold the same amount of people as Wembley does and can’t generate the same money.”
“If it were to go on in the UK it needs to be Wembley and it can’t go on until the end of April or May next year. We want to get it on before then. While everybody is hot to trot and there are no mandatories force on in the meantime.”
As for potential locations, Warren, who has been by Fury’s side throughout his sensational comeback to the pinnacle of the sport, said there had been many offers to host the fight. He remains open to the idea of the Middle East, stating that it would be an ideal time of year in that climate.
Setting the site aside, he’s confident that very little else stands in the way of the historic event.
“Do I think it will be made? Yes I do. Usyk’s team and the fighter said immediately after the fight he wants it. I know Tyson wants it. Myself and [US co-promoter] Bob Arum, we want it. It will just be how we make it work financially.”
“There will be big demands from both boxers, and rightly so. This is a unique event. This is the biggest heavyweight title fight since Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier. It’s a huge fight because both are undefeated, all the belts are there to be won. A lot of people have a split opinion on who will win, which is great.”
“This is boxing’s World Cup, our blue riband event. We will make it happen but where it takes place will be determined by finance.”