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 call comes as rumours swirl that the bout could be shifted across the Atlantic to New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden, a prospect that has sparked debate among fans, officials and the fighters themselves. In recent weeks, negotiations between the two camps have appeared to gain momentum, suggesting that a historic super‑fight between the two British pugilists might finally be on the horizon.
However, a significant obstacle remains: the Saudi‑backed promotion company Sela, which has been pushing for the event to be staged in the United States, citing the allure of a massive U.S. audience and the financial incentives that come with an American venue.
Joshua’s representatives have consistently emphasized their preference for a UK setting, arguing that the fight belongs in front of the home crowd that has supported both fighters throughout their careers. Meanwhile, Fury took to social media earlier this week to criticize what he called a "cowardly" delay in finalising the agreement, implying that his opponent’s camp was dragging its feet. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, countered that the British boxer had already signed his side of the contract, suggesting that any remaining holdup lay with the opposition.
Amid this backdrop, Mayor Khan stepped in with a heartfelt plea aimed at the promoters and the broader boxing community. Speaking to Sky Sports News, the mayor acknowledged the financial draw of a New York venue but stressed that the true heart of the fight lies with the British fans. "I understand the temptation of going to Madison Square Garden," Khan said. "I understand the temptation of the money and the offer, but the fans are here." Khan continued, "We've been loyal to Tyson and to Anthony.
We love them both, and we'd love to see them boxing here in London. I'm positive Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua know how much we love both of them. I'm not sure how much the promoters know how much we love both of them, but my message to the promoters is why don't you do what Tyson and Anthony want, which is get the fight in London." He painted a vivid picture of the potential atmosphere: "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." The mayor’s remarks highlighted not only the massive local support but also the global viewership that a London showdown could generate, positioning the capital as a venue capable of delivering both a spectacular live experience and a lucrative broadcast package. Khan also disclosed that he had been in direct contact with Eddie Hearn, the head of Matchroom Boxing and Joshua’s promoter.
According to the mayor, Hearn reached out to the mayor’s office seeking assistance in navigating the logistical and promotional challenges of staging the event in London. "We've hosted some of the biggest boxing events in history in London during my mayoralty," Khan said.
"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 promoters know we're here to help.
We've approached those in the know to say we're here to help. Eddie Hearn has approached us and we're keen to work with Eddie and the team." The mayor’s involvement underscores the broader cultural significance of the fight.
Boxing has long been a staple of British sporting heritage, and a domestic bout between two of its most celebrated heavyweight champions would be a historic moment for the nation. It would also provide a substantial economic boost to the city, from ticket sales and tourism to hospitality and ancillary services. While Sky Sports has reached out to the promotional teams of both fighters for further comment, the mayor’s statements have already resonated with fans on social media, many of whom have echoed his sentiment that the fight belongs in London.
The public discourse now centers on whether the financial incentives of a U.S. venue can outweigh the cultural and emotional pull of a home‑grown showdown. In summary, Mayor Sadiq Khan’s appeal is a clear reminder that the fight’s ultimate destination should reflect the wishes of the athletes and the passion of their supporters. By urging the promoters to honor the fighters’ preferences and bring the bout to London, Khan is championing not just a sporting event, but a moment of national pride that could cement the legacy of both Fury and Joshua in the annals of British boxing history.