A potential all-British heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could see Wembley Stadium host the bout in the early hours of the morning, BBC Sport understands. The unusual timing is being considered to ensure the fight aligns with prime-time television schedules in the United States, a crucial market for major boxing events.
Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi figure coordinating the high-profile contest, expressed his desire for the fight to be held in England while simultaneously catering to a global television audience. Should the proposed fight, tentatively slated for October or November this year, be timed for US viewers, the main event could potentially begin as late as 04:00 GMT.
Sources close to the London Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, have indicated to BBC Sport that such a proposal is "doable." However, Alalshikh and other key stakeholders involved in organising the fight have not yet formally contacted the Mayor's office regarding this plan. Wembley Stadium typically operates under an 11 pm curfew, meaning that any deviation would require special dispensation. Once a formal request is lodged, the Mayor would need to collaborate with Brent Council, the local authority, to grant approval for the extended hours.
Brent Council confirmed to BBC Sport that "Any changes to [the curfew] would have to be assessed by the stadium's safety advisory group of which Brent Council is a partner." This process would involve a thorough review to ensure public safety and minimise disruption. The concept of scheduling combat sports events in the UK to suit American television audiences is not unprecedented; previous fights, including Ricky Hatton's clash with Kostya Tszyu in 2005 and Joe Calzaghe's bout against Jeff Lacy in 2006, both in Manchester, started around 02:00. More recently, UFC 304 in Manchester last July saw its main card commence at 01:00 BST.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Anthony Joshua, had previously dismissed speculation that the fight might be staged in the US. Hearn confirmed last month that the current agreement, signed by all parties, stipulates that the highly anticipated bout must take place within the United Kingdom. Both Fury and Joshua are scheduled for interim fights later this month before a potential meeting later in the year. Former WBC heavyweight champion Fury, 37, is set to face Poland's Mariusz Wach in Thailand on 24th July, while two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua, 36, will take on Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia the following day.