The efforts of Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn to secure a UK location for the long-awaited Tyson Fury showdown are ongoing.

Refusing to bow to significant pressure to stage the fight in New York’s Madison Square Garden – where key financiers Sela and broadcasters Netflix are keen to stage it to boost the global audience – Hearn has repeatedly stated that he and his client are steadfast in their desire for the All-British bout to remain in the UK.

BoxingScene has long understood that the contract Joshua initially signed for the matchup stipulated the venue had to be in the UK. Joshua is not yet satisfied with the conditions of the change of location – though Hearn has said in the past it could happen in the US if the right terms were offered.

In a twist on Friday, first reported by Sky Sports News, London Mayor Sadiq Khan added his support to the mission, revealing he has been approached by Hearn to bolster their British dream.

"I understand the temptation of going to Madison Square Garden," Khan told Sky Sports. "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.

"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.”

Fury has this week accused Joshua of being a coward while stating he is happy to fight anywhere, though it’s understood his initial contract did not stipulate a UK venue.

“If he’s happy to fight anywhere,” Hearn said in response, “then fight in the UK. The contract is signed.”

Wembley Stadium has previously been mentioned as the leading choice should it occur on British soil. Yet the wish from Turki Alalshikh and Netflix for the bout to start at prime time in America would mean the contest beginning at 3am UK time, something that would be significantly later than Wembley’s current 11pm curfew.

"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," Khan continued.

"We've hosted some of the biggest boxing events in history in London during my mayoralty.

"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."