Tyson Fury's long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua could take place at Wembley Stadium later this year, but only if local authorities grant permission for a late-night start time to accommodate a global television audience.
Wembley Leads as Potential Venue
The all-British heavyweight clash, over a decade in the making, is expected to occur in November. Fury returned to the ring in April after a one-year hiatus, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov in front of over 60,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Immediately after that victory, Fury called out Joshua, who was sitting ringside, though Joshua initially refused to engage in theatrics. Days later, both fighters agreed to the bout.
Wembley Stadium, England's most iconic venue, is the frontrunner to host the event. However, the SiFO Stadium in Los Angeles and the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas have also been rumored as alternative locations.
Alalshikh's Late-Night Proposal
Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh revealed this week that he wants to stage the fight at a time that works for a global audience, particularly in the United States. He intends to hold talks with London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to secure permission for a late-night fight in the capital. Typically, boxing main events in the UK start around 10pm, but for US prime time, the fight could begin after midnight in the UK.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Alalshikh said: "I tell you from the beginning, it depends if England give us all that we need. We want the fight here in England, but we want the time zone of all the world, especially in America. If they allowed us to have Wembley late in the night, we want to do it in England. It is about the time and viewership. We will talk with the mayors and Prince Abdullah (bin Khaled bin Sultan)."
Tune-Up Fights Scheduled
Both Fury and Joshua are set to compete in tune-up fights later this month. Provided they emerge unscathed, the blockbuster clash will be made official. Former two-time heavyweight world champion Fury is expected to face Poland's Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand, on July 24. Joshua, meanwhile, will fight a day later against unknown heavyweight contender Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Joshua last fought in December, knocking out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
