London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has publicly appealed to the promoters of heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to bring their long‑awaited clash to the British capital. The mayor’s remarks come as rumors swirl that the bout could be moved across the Atlantic to New York’s Madison Square Garden, a prospect that has sparked heated debate among fans and officials alike. In recent weeks, negotiations between the two camps have appeared to gain momentum, suggesting that a historic super‑fight between the two British titans may finally be within reach. However, a major hurdle remains: Saudi‑backed event organizer Sela has been pushing for the fight to be staged in the United States, a stance that clashes with the desires of many British supporters who want to see the showdown on home soil.
Joshua’s representatives have consistently voiced a preference for a UK venue, arguing that the fight belongs in the heart of British boxing. Fury, on the other hand, took to social media earlier this week to criticize what he called a "cowardly" delay in finalising the terms, implying that the promoters were dragging their feet. His own promoter, Frank Warren, has claimed that Fury has already signed his portion of the agreement, further intensifying the pressure on the other side to move forward. Amid this backdrop, Mayor Khan stepped into the conversation, urging the organisers to heed the wishes of the fighters themselves.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Khan acknowledged the allure of a New York spectacle and the financial incentives that come with a Madison Square Garden setting. "I understand the temptation of going to Madison Square Gardens," he said, "I understand the temptation of the money and the offer, but the fans are here." Khan emphasized his personal loyalty to both athletes, stating, "We've been loyal to Tyson and to Anthony. We love them both, and we'd love to see them boxing here in London." He added that he believes both fighters are aware of the affection their British supporters hold for them, even if the promoters might not be as attuned. "My message to the promoters is: why don't you do what Tyson and Anthony want, which is get the fight in London?" The mayor painted a picture of a massive domestic audience, estimating that 100,000 spectators could attend the event live, with millions more tuning in worldwide.
"We'll get 100,000 people watching them live, plus millions watching across the globe, fighting amongst the fans who've loved them from the beginning," he said, underscoring the global reach and commercial potential of a London‑based showdown. Khan also disclosed that he has been in direct contact with Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. According to Khan, Hearn approached the mayor’s office seeking assistance in coordinating the logistics of the fight.
"We've hosted some of the biggest boxing events in history in London during my mayoralty," Khan noted. "Many British fans are fans of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Many Londoners love both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua recognise the importance of British boxing fans." The mayor reassured that the city’s infrastructure and experience are well‑suited to accommodate a mega‑event of this scale. He highlighted previous successful boxing spectacles held in London, ranging from heavyweight title fights to multi‑card undercards, all of which have drawn sizable crowds and international media attention. "The promoters know we're here to help.
We've approached those in the know to say we're here to help," Khan affirmed, indicating a willingness to collaborate with all parties to ensure a smooth execution. Khan’s intervention reflects a broader sentiment among UK boxing enthusiasts who feel that a fight of this magnitude should be celebrated on home turf. The potential economic boost—ranging from tourism revenue to local business patronage—adds another layer of incentive for city officials to champion a London venue. While Sky Sports has reached out to both Joshua’s and Fury’s promotional teams for comment, no official response has been released at the time of writing.
The situation remains fluid, with the final decision likely hinging on a combination of contractual details, financial considerations, and the strategic interests of the promoters and broadcasters involved. In summary, Mayor Sadiq Khan has made a clear and passionate case for staging the Tyson Fury‑Anthony Joshua showdown in London, appealing to the emotional connection between the fighters and their British fanbase, while also highlighting the logistical and commercial advantages of a home‑grown event. Whether his plea will sway the promoters remains to be seen, but the mayor’s involvement has certainly amplified the conversation and placed additional pressure on the decision‑makers to consider the wishes of the fighters and the fervent supporters who have followed their careers from the very beginning.