Tyson Fury target of world-record boxing plan as spectacular details emerge

Tyson Fury has emerged as the primary target for an ambitious attempt to shatter boxing’s longest-standing attendance record this summer.

Promotional outfit iVisit Boxing is planning to transform San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza into an open-air arena on 11 July, with hopes of drawing up to 150,000 spectators.

The current world record of 135,132 was established 85 years ago at Juneau Park in Milwaukee, when Tony Zale defeated Billy Pryor in 1941.

iVisit Boxing chief Ed Pereira told The Sun: “For me, I think the big names at the moment is Tyson Fury. He’s back and I think it’s for the big events.

“It’s something that would suit him down to the ground.”

The promotional company is offering some tickets free of charge and will stream the entire card on YouTube as part of its strategy to eclipse the decades-old record.

Pereira brings considerable experience to the venture, having previously worked in marketing and logistics across the Premier League and rugby union before moving into boxing.

Tyson Fury will return to boxing in 2026

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He was instrumental in organising the May 2025 Times Square event in New York, which featured Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez.

Pereira added: “When you are asking 150,000 to 180,000 people to turn up to an event, I think by telling them it’s a world record event is the key thing.

“For them they are gonna be part of history.”

Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PARyan Garcia has been identified as another crucial name for the card, with Pereira emphasising the importance of appealing to California’s Hispanic audience.

“Being in California, we’ve got to look at a strong Hispanic card. A strong Mexican card is critical,” Pereira said.

“So as a co-main event I think we need a really strong Mexican card and strong Mexican boxers if we can.”

The promoter highlighted Garcia’s broad appeal, noting his ability to attract casual viewers beyond traditional boxing fans.

Pereira added: “It’s about bringing it to the guy in the pub who likes to go for a pint and making them engage with it.

“So I think what Ryan Garcia does here in the US is bring in a broader fan base as well.”

Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury twice before the Briton retired in January last year

 | PAThe San Francisco event promises a markedly different experience from the Times Square card, which drew criticism for its lack of live audience, giving television viewers the impression of a lockdown-era broadcast.

Pereira said: “What we’re gonna create in San Francisco and in all of our other events is an event where there are no fences up between the crowd and the ring and the boxers.”

Fury, 37, stepped away from the sport in January 2025 following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk but has confirmed his intention to return this year.

Garcia, 27, is scheduled to challenge for the WBC welterweight world title on 21 February.

The San Francisco card will launch iVisit Boxing’s “Iconic” series, with more than 12 events planned across different cities throughout 2026.