As Warren prepares to step into the breach by accepting a much-lesser contract for Tyson Fury to face Wilder on Showtime Pay-Per-View in the United States this year, the Boxing Hall of Famer is adamant Joshua avoided the dangerous American puncher.
“Fights happen for two reasons, one the money has got to be right and, two, you either fancy the fight or you don’t. For Wilder and Tyson the money is right and they both want to fight, they want to see who the best heavyweight out there is,” said Warren, according to the Belfast Telegraph.
“With Joshua it is clear that somebody doesn’t want the fight. It has been well reported how much was offered. Joshua was guaranteed $80m and could have earned more. When they were putting the deal together I actually helped with the deal because BT were keen to broadcast the fight so I have seen the offer.
“Joshua was offered $50m for the first fight and $30m for a rematch if he lost. So the money was right which only leaves the reason it couldn’t be made was that somebody doesn’t fancy it. Does the promoter not fancy it? I know the trainer Robert McCracken doesn’t fancy it, he never comments on it.”
On putting together one of the biggest heavyweight fights in recent memory, Warren added: “The (winner) will be the No.1, the fans will know it – that’s what matters.”
Fury must first come through Italian Francesco Pianeta at Windsor Park on Saturday night to secure the clash with Wilder, who will be ringside to witness the contest before climbing through the ropes for an expected head-to-head.
An official announcement could even be forthcoming at the final bell, with dates of November 10th and 17th already rumored for a huge Trans-Atlantic top division encounter this winter.
