Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua at Wembley could begin in the early hours to suit global audience
The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could take place at Wembley Stadium with an unusually late start time, as organisers explore ways of maximising the fight’s worldwide television audience.
Plans are continuing for an all-British clash later this year, with October or November remaining the most likely window. However, one of the biggest hurdles could be agreeing on a start time that works for viewers across multiple continents, particularly in the United States.
Should the event be scheduled to hit prime-time television in America, the main event could begin at around 4am UK time.
Wembley Stadium typically operates under an 11pm curfew, meaning any extension would require approval from the relevant authorities. Any request would also be subject to safety assessments before a final decision could be made.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who is overseeing negotiations for the blockbuster contest, made it clear that England remains the preferred destination for the fight, provided the timing can accommodate international broadcasters.
“I tell you from the beginning, it depends if England give us all that we need,” Alalshikh said.
“We want the fight here in England, but we want the time zone of all the world, especially in America.
“If they allow 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 late-night start would be unusual but far from unprecedented in British combat sports.
Ricky Hatton’s memorable victory over Kostya Tszyu in Manchester in 2005 began at around 2am to satisfy the American television market. Joe Calzaghe’s world title fights against Jeff Lacy and Mikkel Kessler also featured early-hours ring walks for the same reason.
More recently, UFC 304 in Manchester was held with a schedule tailored to North American audiences, with the main card not getting underway until 1am BST.
While speculation has previously suggested the Fury-Joshua fight could be moved overseas, that now appears unlikely. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has already stated that the agreement between all parties is for the contest to take place in the United Kingdom.
Before attention can fully turn to one of British boxing’s biggest-ever fights, both heavyweights have business to take care of later this month.
Former WBC world champion Fury, now 37, is due to face Poland’s Mariusz Wach in Thailand on 24 July, while Joshua, the 36-year-old former two-time heavyweight world champion, returns to action against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia a day later.
Provided both men come through those contests successfully, the stage could finally be set for one of the most eagerly anticipated domestic boxing matches in modern history.
