Cardiff is emerging as the leading candidate to host the anticipated all-British heavyweight boxing match between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, potentially scheduled for the early hours of Saturday, December 12. The Welsh capital has seen a sharp increase in hotel bookings for that date, signaling strong anticipation for the event.
Organizers are currently negotiating with local authorities to extend the curfew at the Principality Stadium to accommodate the late timing required by U.S. television broadcasters. The venue previously hosted a high-profile all-British heavyweight bout in 1993 between Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno, as well as the 2007 world super-middleweight title unification fight featuring Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe and Mikkel Kessler. Both events began in the early morning hours, demonstrating Cardiff’s experience with late-night boxing matches.
The pursuit of Cardiff follows complications in securing a venue. Anthony Joshua’s contract with Saudi promotional company Sela mandates that the fight must take place in the United Kingdom, making Wembley Stadium a top contender despite its challenges. Wembley faces its own curfew restrictions and lacks a retractable roof, which may hinder event logistics.
At the same time, New York’s Madison Square Garden has emerged as a potential alternative location. The U.S. venue might be more favorable to the fight’s broadcaster, Netflix, prompting Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn to seek an increased purse for Joshua to cover additional tax liabilities associated with fighting in the United States.
Despite Tyson Fury’s public provocations questioning Joshua’s willingness to face him, Hearn reaffirmed that the fight will take place in Britain. Speaking to IFL TV, Hearn emphasized the promoter’s commitment to hosting the bout on home soil, citing strong public support on social media as a factor in maintaining this position.
Reports suggest that a final agreement on the venue could be reached before the end of the week, potentially setting the stage for what many regard as the biggest boxing match in a generation.