Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh has said the proposed heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury can take place at Wembley Stadium only if British authorities approve a late-night start to accommodate a global television audience.
Alalshikh, who is organising the all-British contest, said discussions would be held with the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, and other stakeholders to secure approval for the fight, which could begin as late as 4 a.m. GMT to suit prime-time viewers in the United States.
He 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.”
Alalshikh added: “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).”
Responding to the proposal, a spokesperson for the Mayor of London said the capital remained eager to host another major boxing event but stopped short of confirming whether an overnight start would be approved.
The spokesperson said: “London is the sporting capital of the world, and the Mayor is working to bring more of the world’s biggest events to the city.
“London has staged some of the biggest boxing events in recent history at Wembley Stadium, with record crowds of over 90,000 attending heavyweight contests, including Anthony Joshua versus Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury versus Dillian Whyte.”
Joshua and Fury are both scheduled to return to the ring later this month before their proposed meeting, which is expected to take place in November.
Fury is due to face Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand, on July 24, while Joshua will take on Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a day later.