Speaking to talkSPORT, boxing promoter Frank Warren provided clarity on the much-anticipated heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, dispelling the year's remaining hopes for the match. Contrary to the optimistic projections by Matchroom Boxing's Eddie Hearn, Warren laid out a clear explanation of the contractual obligations arising from the upcoming May 18 title fight in Riyadh, which will preclude the possibility of Joshua facing Fury this year.

Warren emphasized that the fight's terms include a rematch clause, guaranteeing the loser the option to initiate a second bout due to the substantial financial stakes involved. This clause ensures that the next potential fight for either boxer would be the rematch, contingent upon Fury winning both his engagements and Joshua continuing his winning streak.

Additionally, Hearn suggested that Joshua's next fight would be for a heavyweight title, possibly for the IBF crown expected to be vacated or against the victor of Fury versus Usyk. However, the intricacies of the sanctioning bodies' procedures and the rematch clause will likely prevent this scenario, as the IBF would strip the title from the winner if they opt for the rematch, propelling Hrgovic against the next highest-ranked contender, which currently positions Joshua favorably due to the vacancy in the IBF's No.2 spot.