Fury vs Joshua would start at 2 a.m. if staged at Wembley

The heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua would start at 2 a.m. local time if the fight lands at Wembley Stadium, according to the event organiser.

ESPN reports the unusual timing stems from broadcast demands for the bout, which remains in negotiations. Neither fighter has confirmed terms, but promoters continue pushing for a London venue despite the scheduling complications.

Why the late start time matters for Fury-Joshua

A 2 a.m. bell time would put UK fans in an awkward spot — pay full stadium prices to watch two British heavyweights fight at an hour typically reserved for Las Vegas cards airing across the Atlantic. The arrangement would favour American television windows, where primetime slots drive pay-per-view buys.

Wembley hosted Joshua twice in 2017 and 2018, drawing over 80,000 fans each time, but those cards started in the evening. Fury has never fought at the stadium. Both men are coming off losses, Fury to Oleksandr Usyk twice and Joshua to Daniel Dubois last year.

No date or backup venue has been announced. Fury's team told media last month that Saudi Arabia remains an option if the London deal stalls.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Fury vs Joshua set for 2 a.m. start if in London