EXCLUSIVE
money talks
‘This is boxing’s World Cup’ – Frank Warren hints at Middle East for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk in biggest fight since Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier
Frank Warren has suggested the undisputed fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will happen in the Middle East, as he all but ruled out the UK hosting 'boxing's World Cup'.
Warren revealed to talkSPORT on Tuesday that Fury has told him to get the fight done so he can face the Ukrainian in an undisputed heavyweight clash.
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Usyk beat Anthony Joshua for a second time on Saturday, paving the way for all of the heavyweight titles to be on the line.
Fury has flip flopped between retirement and a return several times over the last few weeks, while also not yet relinquishing the WBC belt.
However, he was very active on social media during and after the Usyk vs Joshua fight, calling out the victor in the immediate aftermath.
Warren - Fury's promoter - confirmed that the Gypsy King is very much intending to face the Ukrainian.
He told talkSPORT: “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.
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“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.”
British boxing fans would love for it to be in the UK, but Warren said this would be very difficult especially as they want it to take place before the end of 2022.
A possible date has already been hinted of December 17, the day before the World Cup final is being held in Qatar.
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“At the end of the day, it’s where the most money can be generated,” Warren said.
“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 mean time.”
When specifically asked about the Middle East, Warren added: “If it were to go to the Middle East, it makes it better because of the time of year as it won’t be so hot.
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“There would be a lot of people over there because people will be over there for the World Cup. I think people will travel for this fight from the UK.
“Would it be better for us for it to go on at Wembley? Of course, you can imagine the atmosphere and you’d sell out immediately.
“The money these guys are talking about, it just won’t work.
“This is a once in a lifetime fight. This is the Thriller in Manila, this is the Rumble in the Jungle.
“This is a big fight that not just the Middle East but other parts of the world would be interested in hosting.”
Warren is also confident negotiations will be smooth with the Usyk camp, and talks were held even before the rematch with Joshua.
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“We had talks before the fight with Usyk’s camp. We met with them three or four weeks ago, there’s no problems with them,” Warren continued.
“The good thing about this is there are no rival TV companies involved, they don’t have any promotional ties.
“The terms of the deal are really simple, it will be a 50/50 split, but it’s where we can generate the most income to make it work.
“It’s an easier fight to make instead of Joshua because there are not rival promoters involved. Usyk’s people are free agents and that’s not a problem.
“Regarding whether there will be a rematch, I don’t know really. It depends what package is put together.
“What I’m focused on is getting the fight on. That’s the one we want to see.”
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Warren also revealed a phone conversation he had with Fury on Tuesday morning, signalling his willingness to get the fight done.
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He said: “I just got off the phone with Tyson and he wants this. He told me to get the fight done.
“He realises the significance of this fight, as does Usyk, they are determined where they can generate the most money.”
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