Turki Alalshikh makes start time request for Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua as US influence grows

Turki Alalshikh has pleaded with Brent council for Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua to start at 2am at Wembley Stadium.

A public back and forth has erupted between boxing’s top brass including Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh and Wembley Stadium organisers over the blockbuster heavyweight clash.

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It was previously suggested that the bout could land in Las Vegas, but the UK’s national stadium is now the front runner venue.

Those involved in promoting the fight including broadcaster Netflix want the fight to land at a suitable time for a US and global audience.

But the potential venue has a curfew of 11pm and organisers believe this would be too early.

Alalshikh has suggested he has been told so far that a change can’t be made, but Brent Council then suggested an extension of the curfew could be made to start the event at 1am.

However, he has now requested that organisers can nudge this until 2am for the event to be possible to satisfy all parties in being held in the UK.

It is unclear where this will leave the agreement, but organisers are hopeful they can push through the logistical hurdle.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has even thrown down the gauntlet, insisting he will do all he can to bring the all-British sporting event to the British capital.

There will be likely several more logistical challenges to come, including that the event is being targeted for the winter months in an outdoor venue.

Alalshikh and organisers will have the final decision, but it could be a real shame for British fans if they are unable to watch the event on domestic shores.

Fury vs Joshua – where do we stand?

For now a concrete date and venue has yet to be put in place.

The schedule will likely be clearer at Wembley Stadium in the winter months, but other venues could be explored.

Both Joshua and Fury will also need to get through warm-up fights.

Mariusz Wach will be the opponent for the ‘Gypsy King’ in a behind closed doors clash in Thailand on July 24.

Meanwhile Joshua will fight a day later against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia.

Should the pair get through their routine examinations, they have already signed to meet next.

Several promotional outfits will likely be involved including Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, who will likely bring US expertise to the event.

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