The highly anticipated heavyweight boxing match between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua may occur at Wembley Stadium during the early hours of the morning, according to reports from BBC Sport. Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh expressed interest in scheduling the fight for October or November 2026, aiming to attract a global television audience.
Proposed Timing for Fury vs Joshua Bout
Alalshikh indicated that to accommodate prime-time viewers in the USA, the main event could potentially start as late as 04:00 GMT. This timing aligns with previous boxing events in the UK that catered to American audiences, such as Ricky Hatton's fight against Kostya Tszyu in June 2005.
Sources close to London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan have suggested that this late-night fight is feasible, though discussions with stakeholders have not yet commenced. Wembley Stadium typically enforces a curfew of 11 PM, and any changes would require approval from the local authority, Brent Council.
Historical Context of Boxing Events in the UK
This is not the first time boxing matches in the UK have been scheduled for American viewers. Notable examples include:
- Joe Calzaghe vs Jeff Lacy in March 2006
- Joe Calzaghe vs Mikkel Kessler in November 2007
- UFC 304 held in Manchester in July 2024
These events have demonstrated the willingness of promoters to adjust timings to maximize viewership across different time zones.
Current Status of Fury and Joshua
Both fighters are scheduled to return to the ring later this month, with Fury facing Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24, and Joshua taking on Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia the following day. Promoter Eddie Hearn has dismissed rumors of the fight shifting to the US, confirming that the current agreement mandates the bout to occur in the United Kingdom.
As planning progresses, Alalshikh emphasized the importance of securing the necessary permissions to hold the fight at Wembley. He stated, "If they allow us to have Wembley late in the night, we want to do it in England. It is about the time and viewership."
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Sport. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
