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, rather than allowing it to be staged overseas. The mayor’s remarks come at a time when negotiations appear to be inching forward, yet a key obstacle remains: the Saudi‑backed organizers, led by Sela, have expressed a strong preference for holding the bout at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. In recent weeks, the two British fighters have seemed to be closing the gap on a deal that would finally see the two titans of the division meet in the ring. However, the location debate has become a flashpoint.
While Joshua’s camp has consistently advocated for a UK venue, Fury’s camp has been more ambiguous, and the promoter for Fury, Frank Warren, claimed that his side of the agreement had already been signed. Adding fuel to the fire, Fury took to social media earlier in the week to label his prospective opponent a "coward" for what he perceived as delays in finalising the contract, a comment that only heightened the media circus surrounding the fight.
Amid this backdrop, Mayor Khan took to Sky Sports News to make a heartfelt plea. "I understand the temptation of going to Madison Square Garden," he said, acknowledging the allure of the American market and the financial incentives that come with it. "I understand the temptation of the money and offer, but the fans are here. We've been loyal to Tyson and to Anthony.
We love them both, and we'd love to see them boxing here in London." Khan emphasized that the British public has long supported both fighters, noting that the capital has a rich tradition of hosting major boxing events. "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 continued. He went on to illustrate the potential scale of a London‑based event, projecting a massive live audience and global viewership: "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." This statement underscores the mayor’s belief that a UK venue would not only satisfy the fighters’ wishes but also generate substantial economic and cultural benefits for the city. Khan also disclosed that he has been in direct contact with Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing.
According to the mayor, Hearn reached out to the mayor’s office seeking assistance in coordinating the logistics of a possible London showdown. "We've hosted some of the biggest boxing events in history in London during my mayoralty," Khan said, highlighting his administration’s experience in managing large‑scale sporting spectacles. "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 signals a broader political interest in the bout, reflecting how high‑profile sporting events can serve as a catalyst for tourism, local business revenue, and international prestige. London has previously hosted historic fights such as the 2015 clash between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko at the O2 Arena, which attracted over 80,000 spectators and generated millions in economic activity.
A similar event featuring both Joshua and Fury could eclipse those figures, especially given the narrative of a home‑grown rivalry. From a logistical standpoint, staging the fight in London would require coordination among multiple stakeholders: the mayor’s office, the London Legacy Development Corporation, security services, transport authorities, and the promoters themselves. The city’s infrastructure—world‑class venues, extensive public transport, and a proven track record of handling large crowds—makes it a viable candidate. Moreover, the UK government has recently introduced tax incentives for major sporting events, which could further sweeten the deal for promoters seeking to maximise profit while minimizing fiscal outlay.
Critics, however, argue that the financial pull of a U.S. venue, especially one as storied as Madison Square Garden, cannot be ignored. The American market offers lucrative broadcast deals, sponsorship opportunities, and a global audience that can elevate the fighters’ brand value. Yet Khan’s argument rests on the principle that the fighters themselves have expressed a desire to fight on home soil, and that the fans’ passion should not be discounted in the commercial calculus.
As of now, both promotional teams have been approached by Sky Sports for comment, but no official statements have been released. The next steps likely involve finalising the purse split, securing a venue, and aligning broadcast rights. If the mayor’s appeal resonates with the promoters, a London venue could become the final piece of the puzzle, turning a decades‑long dream of a British heavyweight super‑fight into reality. Until then, the boxing world will continue to watch closely, awaiting the moment when the terms are finally signed and the stage—whether in New York or London—is set for what promises to be a historic showdown.