The highly anticipated British heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua appears to be moving closer to reality, but a disagreement over the location could still derail the fight.
Queensberry promoter Frank Warren has warned that the bout could collapse if the two camps cannot agree on where it should take place. The fight is being targeted for November, with the main issue now centred on the venue.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that Joshua’s agreement requires the fight to be staged in the United Kingdom. Fury, however, has no similar restriction in his contract, leaving the door open to an event in the United States.
Madison Square Garden in New York has reportedly emerged as a possible destination, with Turki Alalshikh and Sela chief executive Dr Rakan Al-Harthy among those pushing for a US venue. Hearn has said he and Joshua are willing to discuss the option, but their preference remains to fight in Britain.
Warren has made his position clear: the venue must be agreed by both sides for the fight to go ahead.
Romero and Lopez prepare for respectful title fight
Rolly Romero and Teofimo Lopez are preparing to meet in Las Vegas on August 22 in a WBA welterweight title fight that has been notable for the respect between the two fighters.
Romero, the reigning WBA champion, will defend his belt against former two-division world champion Lopez, who is stepping up to welterweight in an attempt to become a three-division champion.
Rather than exchanging insults ahead of the fight, the two have spoken positively about each other. Romero believes the contest is ultimately about their careers, families and legacies rather than creating unnecessary hostility.
Stevenson faces questions over next opponent
Shakur Stevenson is facing growing questions over who he will fight next, with trainer Robert Garcia urging him to take on unbeaten IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla.
Stevenson won the WBO super-lightweight title earlier this year after defeating Lopez and is now preparing for his move to Zuffa Boxing, the promotion headed by UFC boss Dana White.
Garcia believes Muratalla would provide Stevenson with one of his toughest challenges. He also suggested that Stevenson could face criticism if he avoids the fight or insists that it can only happen at lightweight.
For now, Stevenson’s next opponent remains uncertain as he prepares for his first fight under his new promotional deal.
Frank Martin looks for a fresh start
Frank Martin is also looking to revive his career after a frustrating period of inactivity.
The 31-year-old has joined Top Rank, brought in former world champion Buddy McGirt as his trainer and appointed Adrian Clark as his new manager. Martin has a professional record of 19 wins, one defeat and one draw, with 13 victories coming by knockout.
His biggest concern, however, has been a lack of activity. Martin has fought only once in each of the past four years, including a draw against Nahir Albright in February.
After spending years struggling to stay active, Martin hopes his new team can help him return to the ring more regularly. His long-term ambition is to challenge for a world title at super lightweight in 2027.
Watch MaltaSport Podcast 👇
