​A potential Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua bout at Wembley Stadium could go ahead, but only if the schedule is aligned with a friendly time zone for television audiences. That stance comes from Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who is lobbying for a broadcast-friendly slot that would appeal to viewers in the United States after the fight was announced in April as officially signed, despite both fighters being British and the event being touted as one of the biggest in British boxing history.
This arrangement could mean a very late start in London, with the card possibly kicking off in the early hours of Sunday morning. Alalshikh suggested on social media that walkouts might have to occur around 2am if Wembley hosts the fight. Weather could also be a factor, with November floated as a rough timeframe for the heavyweight showdown.
Alalshikh insisted, “This is for you; we also have Joshua versus Fury this year, but we won’t decide the venue until now. I’ve told you from the beginning that it depends on England giving us all we need. We want the fight in England, yet we require a global time zone, especially America. If they allow us to have Wembley late at night, we want to stage it in England.” He added that the focus is now on time and viewership, as well as subscriber numbers, and that discussions would extend to Mayor Sadiq Khan and Prince Abdullah, who might assist—perhaps even with London taxis helping out.
The Wembley curfew complicates matters, as weekend events there must finish by 11pm. In April 2022, Fury’s bout with Dillian Whyte began the first bell at 10:50pm, the latest start time recorded at the venue to date. Before any potential Wembley date, Joshua and Fury are set to stage warm-up fights, with Joshua slated to fight on July 25 in Saudi Arabia, while Fury has confirmed a tune-up against veteran Mariusz Wach on July 24 in Thailand, a location where Fury trains and which is just 24 hours before Joshua’s ring appearance abroad.
Both fighters are widely expected to win their upcoming tune-ups, paving the way for a much-anticipated showdown later in 2026. There is speculation that Fury vs. Joshua could follow a precedent set by UFC 304, with Manchester’s Co-op Live identified as a possible venue and a timing compromise designed to maximize the American television audience: a peak early-morning start, around 5am local time, to boost global viewership. That approach, however, proved controversial among attendees, with many fans missing the main event due to fatigue and travel constraints.
In any scenario, the logistics of the Wembley option hinge on balancing a viable local venue experience with strategic broadcast timing that optimizes international demand. The fight’s ultimate location and exact kickoff time will likely hinge on how English authorities and event organizers coordinate with broadcasters, sponsors, and regulatory bodies to deliver a global spectacle that satisfies fans on both sides of the Atlantic. The aim remains to maximize viewership and engagement while delivering the blockbuster atmosphere fans expect from Fury versus Joshua, wherever the ring is placed.