Fury vs Joshua at Wembley hinges on 4am start for US viewers

The Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua heavyweight clash will land at Wembley Stadium only if London officials approve a start time potentially as late as 4am GMT to capture prime-time US television audiences, Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh said Monday.

Alalshikh told reporters he plans talks with the Mayor of London and other stakeholders to secure the delayed bell time, adding that the fight's location depends on whether England grants the necessary accommodations. "We want the fight here in England, but we want the time zone of all the world, especially in America," he said, per the BBC. "If they allowed us to have Wembley late in the night, we want to do it in England. It is about the time and viewership."

Joshua's promoter confirms UK contract clause

Eddie Hearn, who represents Joshua, confirmed to BBC Sport last month that the current signed agreement stipulates the bout must occur in the United Kingdom. He acknowledged the contract could be renegotiated if Alalshikh pushes for a change, noting the Saudi adviser is footing an enormous bill. Hearn said all parties would be disappointed if the fight moved to America, calling it obvious the bout belongs in Britain.

Combat sports events in the UK have previously been scheduled around American broadcast windows. UFC 304 in Manchester last July did not start its main card until 1am local time.

Both heavyweights fight tune-ups this month before their expected late-year meeting. Fury faces Mariusz Wach in Pattaya on July 24, while Joshua takes on Kristian Prenga in Riyadh the following night.

Source: bbc.co.uk