Khan Pushes for Fury-Joshua Fight at Wembley
Sadiq Khan has stepped directly into the heavyweight arena, throwing London’s name firmly into the ring for the long-awaited Tyson Fury–Anthony Joshua blockbuster.
The Mayor wants it at Wembley. And he wants it badly.
“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, making his position crystal clear as negotiations over one of the biggest fights in British boxing history rumble on in the background.
London vs New York
Behind the scenes, the tug-of-war over the venue is already under way.
BBC Sport understands Saudi organisers Sela have been in touch with the mayor’s office in recent weeks about staging the fight at Wembley Stadium, the national arena that has already framed some of the most memorable nights in both Fury’s and Joshua’s careers.
But the battle is not just between promoters and politicians. Geography is in play.
Organisers and broadcaster Netflix are understood to favour New York’s Madison Square Garden for a November date, a choice that would plant this all-British clash in the heart of the US market. Sources close to the talks say discussions over a London venue have stalled, with no detailed negotiations yet on dates or timings for Wembley.
Right now, New York has the momentum. London is trying to drag it back.
Curfew, cameras and the clock
Any Wembley fight comes with a familiar obstacle: time.
The stadium’s usual curfew is 23:00. Brent Council, the local authority that would have to sign off any change, has already indicated that a later finish would need to be examined by Wembley’s safety advisory group. How far that curfew could be pushed remains unclear.
Khan, though, has previously said he would support efforts to bring the fight to London, even if it means a late start and an even later finish. A ring walk in the early hours UK time could be a problem for some fans in the stadium, but a gift for broadcasters chasing a bigger US television audience.
The trade-off is obvious: local logistics versus global reach.
“We, the fans, want to see them box live in London”
Khan is leaning hard on the emotional pull of a homecoming.
“Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are two great British boxers. Both have been world champions,” he 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.”
It is a simple argument, but a powerful one. Two British heavyweights, both former world champions, finally settling their rivalry on British soil, under the arch, in front of a vast home crowd. For many, that is how this story should be written.
Decision time approaching
For now, the clock is ticking louder than any ring bell.
There is hope that the venue will be locked in within days. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has already said he wants an announcement this week, with a news conference pencilled in for next week once the deal is signed off.
Sela has been contacted for comment. Silence from their side only sharpens the sense of a looming decision.
London has made its pitch. New York is waiting. The fighters are ready.
Where the first bell rings will say a lot about who really controls boxing’s biggest nights.
