London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has publicly appealed to the promoters of heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, urging them to bring their much‑anticipated clash to the British capital. The mayor’s remarks come as rumours swirl that the fight – a dream matchup for UK boxing fans for years – might instead be booked for New York’s Madison Square Garden, a venue that has been floated by Saudi‑backed organizers seeking to stage the event on American soil.
In recent weeks the two camps appeared to be edging toward a final agreement on a "super‑fight" that would pit the unbeaten Fury against his long‑time rival Joshua. However, a key obstacle remains: the Saudi promotional group Sela, which has been instrumental in shaping the bout’s logistics, has expressed a strong preference for a U.S.
location, citing the financial allure of a New York spectacle. This stance has clashed with the wishes of the fighters themselves, who have repeatedly hinted that they would rather fight in front of their home crowd.
Joshua’s representatives have consistently maintained that the bout should be held in the United Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of the British fan base and the historic significance of a home‑grown heavyweight showdown. Meanwhile, Fury took to social media earlier this week to label his potential opponent a "coward" for what he perceives as hesitancy in finalising the contract, a comment that added further tension to the negotiations. Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, has countered by stating that Fury has already signed his side of the agreement, suggesting that any remaining holdup lies with the opposing camp or with external organisers.
Amid this back‑and‑forth, Mayor Khan stepped into the fray, delivering a heartfelt plea to the promoters during an interview with Sky Sports News. "I understand the temptation of going to Madison Square Garden," Khan said, acknowledging the financial and promotional draw of a high‑profile U.S. venue.
"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 picture of massive local enthusiasm, estimating that "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 comments underscore the cultural and economic impact a domestic heavyweight bout could have on the city, from tourism revenue to the reinforcement of London's reputation as a premier boxing destination. Khan also disclosed that he has been in direct contact with Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing.
According to the mayor, Hearn approached the mayor’s office seeking assistance in navigating the logistical and bureaucratic challenges of staging such a large‑scale event in the capital. "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 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 highlights the broader political and civic interest in high‑profile sporting events. Hosting the fight in London would not only satisfy a passionate fan base but also generate significant economic activity, from hospitality and transport to merchandise sales and international media coverage.
Moreover, a home‑ground showdown would reinforce the legacy of British heavyweight boxing, echoing historic bouts that have defined the sport’s narrative for decades. While Sky Sports has reached out to both Joshua’s and Fury’s promotional teams for comment, no definitive response has been made public at the time of this writing. The negotiations remain fluid, with the final decision likely hinging on a balance between financial incentives, logistical feasibility, and the expressed wishes of the fighters themselves.
In summary, Mayor Sadiq Khan’s public appeal adds a new dimension to the ongoing talks surrounding the Fury‑Joshua fight. By championing the interests of the fans and emphasizing London’s capacity to host a world‑class event, Khan hopes to sway promoters toward a venue that would keep the bout on British soil, preserving a historic moment for the nation’s boxing community.