Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh says the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could take place at Wembley Stadium, but only if British authorities approve a much later start time.
Alalshikh, who is overseeing the all-British contest, said discussions will be held with London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and other stakeholders to secure approval for a late-night event aimed at attracting a global audience.
The fight may need to begin as late as 4am GMT to align with prime-time television viewing in the United States.
“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,” Alalshikh said.
“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).”
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said the city remains open to hosting major sporting events, highlighting Wembley’s history of staging landmark heavyweight bouts, but did not confirm whether a delayed start time would be permitted.
Both Fury and Joshua are scheduled to return to action later this month ahead of their proposed November meeting. Fury will face Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24, while Joshua takes on Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the following day.
