TYSON FURY’s eagerly-anticipated undisputed heavyweight title fight with Anthony Joshua can only take place on August 14, according to his co-promoter Frank Warren.
The long-awaited Battle of Britain – which is set to take place in Saudi Arabia – was originally in the works for July 24.
But delays in finalising the site deal – coupled with the Olympic commitments of Joshua’s coach Rob McCracken – have forced the multi-million-pound contest to be pushed back.
And Warren has claimed August 14 is the likely date for the biggest fight in the history of British boxing.
During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “It definitely won’t be on August 7 because that’s when the Olympic games are on and that’s gonna be a problem for TV.
“Besides that, you’ve got a UFC PPV in the States and UK so if it goes on, it’ll be on August 14.
“I don’t think the date is the problem at all, I think everyone’s agreed that can be moved to August 14.
“What we’re all trying to do is get this over the line, but the only way we’ll get it over the line is by the fighter, Tyson, getting certain assurances.
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“If he gets them, he’ll put pen to paper, but as it is now, he’s waiting for the other side’s lawyers to confirm what he wants.
“We want the fight, everybody wants the fight, for once Eddie Hearn and I agree that we have a common aim here.
“But it hasn’t been signed, I don’t know why he’s saying it has been signed…
“There have to be assurances given and confirmation given that Tyson is happy with.
“It’s no different to if it were a footballer going to a football club, he would want certain assurances.
“It will be there [in Saudi Arabia] if the contract is signed, if Tyson’s wishes are met with what he wants to be assured…
“I really do feel there’s a way forward on this, I do feel having spoken with one of the principles there that he desperately wants to do this deal.
“But as I say there’s just a couple of things that need to be addressed and I’m quite sure we’ll get them addressed and get it over the line and we can get it on.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has been working hard to get the deal across the line and is confident the fight will be announced before the end of the week.
Speaking after Billy Joe Saunders’ defeat to Canelo Alvarez on Sunday morning, he told Boxing Social: “We thought about making some noise tonight.
“But, I think because of the various broadcasters, it wouldn’t have gone down too well.
“But I will tell you, it is 100 per cent being announced this week.
“Yes, I’ve said that a few times. I’m going one better than that – by our Manchester show…oh f***ing hell I’ve put myself in it now.
“I think I am safe to say that. We had a good meeting with the governing bodies where we confirmed that position to them.
“I’m not going to say too much, but..”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
