Key Points:
- Cardiff now favourite to host Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in dramatic U-turn
- Joshua-Fury talks continue despite delays
- The Principality Stadium holds 78,000
British rivals Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are due to clash in a highly anticipated heavyweight super-fight this winter, but the announcement is taking longer than expected due to many factors.
Dana White has been persistently claiming that he will be promoting the event, not Fury’s promoter Frank Warren or Joshua’s long-term promoter Eddie Hearn. As a result of this argument, negotiations have stalled, which White publicly blamed on Hearn, with Joshua’s contract stipulating that the fight must take place in the United Kingdom.
For many weeks it’s been heavily rumoured the all-British showdown would head to the Big Apple to be staged at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York.
That choice of venue and location hasn’t gone down well with British fight fans, who rightfully believe it should take place in the UK, naturally.
There’s now a glimmer of hope as Cardiff’s Principality Stadium is emerging as an ‘increasingly likely’ venue.
The Principality
Cardiff’s Principality Stadium has dramatically emerged as the leading candidate to stage the Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury bout this winter in what would be a massive coup for the city.
The Welsh national stadium has a capacity of 73,931 for football and rugby events, but it increases to 78,000 for boxing when part of the pitch can be covered and filled with additional seating.
Multiple reports now say Cardiff is seen as the venue to end the dispute between the two fighters’ camps and promoters, although several local agencies, such as Cardiff Council, would need to be involved in green-lighting the fight to take place at 2am UK time, chosen to suit American audiences.
The national stadium’s retractable roof significantly strengthens its bid to secure the contest, while there is precedent for huge boxing events being staged at the stadium in the early hours of the morning.
Wembley Stadium’s curfew can only be extended to 1am, which has thrust Cardiff to the front of the queue. The Principality Stadium already expressed a strong interest in hosting the event back in July. “We’d be delighted to host this fight,” a spokesperson for the Welsh Rugby Union said.
“We are very keen to attract more boxing to the stadium, which has a rich history in the sport, enhanced by its closable roof, unrivalled sight lines and unique city-centre location.”
The celebrated Cardiff arena previously played host to Joshua’s triumph over Carlos Takam in 2017, attracting a crowd of 78,000 fans.
AJ returned to face Joseph Parker at the same venue the following year. Though predominantly recognised as a rugby ground, the Principality Stadium carries a proud and storied boxing tradition.
The Welsh capital also etched itself into sporting history when it staged the Lennox Lewis vs Frank Bruno contest at the former National Stadium in 1993.
Joe Calzaghe famously took on Mikkel Kessler there in 2007 in a bout that also began at 2am.
Boxing journalist Dan Rafael also cites sources saying Netflix are expected to give the green light to the UK plan, with more news expected in the next few days. There is a press conference tentatively organised for next week to announce the fight, but it appears that nothing is set in stone still.
What’s the problem?
Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh and streaming giant Netflix are each eager for the fight to be held on American soil, believing it will attract larger viewing figures. However, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn insists it should take place in Britain, pointing to a contractual clause that backs his position.
The eagerly awaited heavyweight clash has become mired in controversy over its proposed location. Last week, Hearn threatened legal action against TKO Group Holdings — the parent company of Dana White’s UFC and Zuffa Boxing — for allegedly attempting to entice Joshua to the United States.
Wembley’s hopes of hosting the fight were effectively scuppered by Alalshikh’s insistence on a 2am start time, which would be logistically impossible for the area and travel arrangements.
The Principality Stadium’s higher flexibility with times and logistics is what has pushed the £121 million venue to the front.