London Mayor Sadiq Khan Urges Promoters to Host Fury vs Joshua at Wembley

Image source, Reuters/PA Images

Image caption, Tyson Fury (left) and Anthony Joshua are former two-time world heavyweight champions

By Kal Sajad

BBC Sport boxing journalist

• Published26 minutes ago

London Mayor Sadiq Khan says he is “really keen” to host the proposed Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua fight at Wembley Stadium and has urged promoters to get in touch.

BBC Sport understands Saudi organisers Sela have contacted the mayor’s office in recent weeks about bringing the long-awaited contest to the national stadium.

However, with organisers and broadcaster Netflix understood to favour New York’s Madison Square Garden for a November bout, sources close to the discussions say talks over a London venue have not progressed, with no detailed talks over dates or timings.

“A message to the promoters – we want to host it in London. Talk to us, we’re really keen to have it,” Khan told BBC Sport on Thursday.

Wembley Stadium’s usual curfew is 23:00, although Khan has previously indicated he would support efforts to bring the fight to London.

A late-night fight in London – potentially in the early hours – could mean it draws a larger television audience in the US.

Brent Council, the local authority involved in any approval, has said a potential extension of the curfew would need to be assessed by Wembley’s safety advisory group.

It remains unclear how late that curfew could be pushed back.

“Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are two great British boxers. Both have been world champions,” Khan said.

“They both recognise and love the fans in this country who have supported them throughout their careers, amateur and professional.

“Wembley has hosted many fantastic events, including bouts involving Tyson and Anthony. We, the fans, want to see them box live in London.”

There is hope that the venue will be finalised within the coming days. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said he wants an announcement this week, with a news conference to follow next week.

• Fury calls Joshua a ‘coward’ as wait for announcement continues

  • Published23 hours ago

Hearn says his side signed a contract for the bout to take place in the United Kingdom, while Sela and Netflix’s preference would be the United States to cater for American audiences.

Matchroom Boxing’s Hearn has previously said Joshua’s contract specifically stipulated a UK venue and would need to be renegotiated for the fight to take place Stateside.

Hearn says he has since set out terms under which Matchroom would agree to the change, with negotiations continuing over a possible move to New York.

The contact from Sela represents a significant development from the end of July, when sources close to the mayor told BBC Sport there had been no approach from the fight’s organisers.

But the lack of progress since that initial contact underlines the uncertainty still surrounding Wembley’s chances of hosting the contest.

“I’m hoping the promoters understand that not only will you get 100,000 people watching this bout live, you’ll get millions watching it across the globe, where both boxers are cheered on by their loyal fans,” Khan said.

BBC Sport has contacted Sela for comment.

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Figure caption,

AJ v Fury – highly anticipated or a forgotten fight?

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