Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that discussions about staging the much‑anticipated Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua clash at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium have been reopened. The prospect of the heavyweight mega‑event moving back to the UK capital follows a recent impasse that saw New York’s Madison Square Garden emerge as the leading candidate for the bout.
Initially, negotiations stalled when the allure of the famed New York venue, with its global media exposure and lucrative financial package, seemed to outweigh the logistical challenges of hosting the fight in Britain. However, Hearn took to his social‑media platforms to announce a shift in direction, indicating that Wembley is once again under serious consideration. In his statement, Hearn expressed gratitude to fans and stakeholders, writing: “Thank you all for the incredible support!
Your voices have been heard, and talks have now reopened for Wembley. Let’s create a historic moment that the British sporting landscape will never forget.” Sky Sports reached out to Fury’s long‑time promoter Frank Warren for comment, but no response was immediately available. During an interview with DAZN, Hearn elaborated on the renewed talks, revealing that he had spoken directly with London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, about the feasibility of bringing the fight to the capital. “I spoke with Mayor Khan today.
There’s a narrative circulating that Netflix wants the fight to be scheduled later to suit American viewers. I understand that, and we could push the start time back in the UK, but there are concerns about Wembley’s curfew. Mayor Khan assured me that the city would move heaven and earth to make this happen,” Hearn explained.
The back‑and‑forth has not been without drama. Earlier in the week, Fury took to social media to label Joshua a “coward” and accused him of misleading boxing fans amid the ongoing venue saga. The comments added fuel to an already heated debate among supporters on both sides. Mayor Khan, speaking to Sky Sports on Thursday evening, urged both promoters to prioritize a London venue.
“I understand the temptation of Madison Square Garden,” he said. “I understand the financial lure, but the fans are here. We have been loyal to Tyson and Anthony. We love them both and would love to see them fight in London.” He continued, “I’m confident Tyson and Anthony know how much we love them.
I’m not sure the promoters fully appreciate that, but my message is simple: do what the fighters want – bring the fight to London. We can fill Wembley with 100,000 spectators and millions more will tune in worldwide, joining the fans who have followed them from the beginning.” Khan also disclosed that he has been in direct contact with Eddie Hearn, noting that the Matchroom chairman has approached the mayor’s office for assistance in coordinating the event. “London has hosted some of the biggest boxing nights in history during my term.
Many British fans are devoted to both Tyson and Anthony, and both fighters recognize the significance of the UK fanbase,” Khan said. “The promoters know we’re ready to help. Eddie Hearn has reached out, and we’re eager to work together.” Both heavyweight stars have been active in the ring this summer, providing a glimpse of their current form. Joshua entered his preparatory bout in July with a second‑round knockout of Kristian Prenga, though he was knocked down twice in the opening round before rallying to secure the win.
Fury, meanwhile, returned to action the same month, delivering a seventh‑round stoppage of Mariusz Wach, reaffirming his status as a top‑tier contender. The renewed Wembley talks have sparked speculation about the logistical hurdles that would need to be overcome.
Wembley Stadium, primarily a football arena, imposes a strict curfew that could affect the timing of a night‑time boxing event. Adjustments to the fight’s start time, broadcast windows, and security protocols would have to be negotiated with both local authorities and the venue’s management. Moreover, the involvement of streaming platform Netflix, which holds broadcasting rights for the fight, adds another layer of complexity, as the company seeks to maximize viewership across different time zones.
If the London option proceeds, the economic impact could be substantial. A sell‑out at Wembley would generate significant ticket revenue, boost local hospitality sectors, and reinforce the UK’s reputation as a premier destination for marquee boxing events. The fight would also serve as a cultural touchstone, pitting two of Britain’s most celebrated heavyweights against each other on home soil, a scenario that has been described as a "once‑in‑a‑generation" spectacle.
Conversely, a move to Madison Square Garden would maintain the allure of a transatlantic showdown, potentially attracting a massive American audience and offering a different set of commercial advantages. The decision ultimately hinges on balancing the desires of the fighters, the financial incentives for promoters, the logistical constraints of the venues, and the expectations of a global fanbase. As negotiations continue, fans worldwide are watching closely, hoping that the talks will culminate in a definitive venue announcement.
Whether the fight lands under the iconic arch of Wembley or the storied rafters of MSG, the clash between Fury and Joshua promises to be a defining moment in heavyweight boxing, with the potential to rewrite the sport’s contemporary narrative. For now, the message from Eddie Hearn is clear: the conversation is back on, and the goal is to deliver a historic night that satisfies fighters, promoters, broadcasters, and, most importantly, the millions of boxing enthusiasts who have eagerly awaited this showdown.