Joshua-Fury bout awaits Wembley approval for late-night slot

The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between British rivals Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is confirmed to take place before the end of 2026, but the venue remains undecided as organizers seek a late-night start time to accommodate a global television audience. Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who is coordinating the bout, stated on Monday that his preference is to stage the fight at Wembley Stadium in London, but only if local authorities approve an unusually late schedule to suit viewers in the United States.

Speaking in London, Alalshikh said the fight’s location hinges on whether England can meet the logistical requirements. He emphasized the need for a time zone that works for the whole world, especially America, to maximize viewership and streaming subscriptions. If officials allow Wembley to host the event late at night, the fight will be held there. Otherwise, the search for a venue will continue.

This condition presents a significant hurdle. Under Brent Council’s licensing conditions for Wembley, major events are generally expected to conclude by approximately 11 p.m. to minimize disruption for local residents and transport networks. Extending operations into the...