Late night boxing is to be shown at a Preston bar – despite another bar being turned down to have a late licence for the same fight.

Preston City Council’s licensing committee has approved a 6am late licence for Preston Guild Hall’s Review bar.

The bar, at the base of the venue in Lancaster Road, will show the Floyd Mayweather versus Conor McGregor bout.

Lancashire Police had objected to the late licence, citing a risk of crime and disorder.

The fight, between the UFC fighter and boxer Mayweather, is expected to draw an audience of millions around the globe on the evening of Saturday (26 August) and into the early hours of Sunday.

Head of operations at the Guild Hall Richard Simkin made a number of arguments as to why the venue should be trusted to open late.

He said: “We have shown every single big fight from MMA to Boxing and also the wrestling events. Again with zero incidents. We also show F1, Basketball, Rugby, Baseball to name a few.

“This is not about being fair or reasonable to us it is about us being able to run our business to the highest and impeccable standards, which we have done since day one, and deliver an event in a licensed venue similar to venues in Manchester/Liverpool etc (which are showing the event live) for people to enjoy responsibly.

“If I had serious concerns around this event I hope you realise I would not make the call to go ahead and possibly tarnish our impeccable record.”

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The Ships and Giggles pub, in Fylde Road, had also applied for a late licence for the boxing fight but was refused by councillors after objection by police.

Mr Simkin said the difference between his venue, Review, and the pub, was the Guild Hall had a high level of security and experience at dealing with high profile events.

Those wanting to watch the Mayweather-McGregor fight will have to buy a ticket in advance for £5 via the Guild Hall website.