Joshua-Fury Cardiff Venue
Principality Stadium emerges as the leading UK venue for the Joshua-Fury heavyweight bout
Anonymous
Key Points
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The Welsh Rugby Union, which owns Principality Stadium, said it was keen to host the bout: “We’d be delighted to host this fight. We are very keen to attract more boxing to the stadium,” citing its closable roof, sight lines and city-centre location.
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The Welsh government was reportedly considering lifting Principality Stadium’s 10:30 p.m. curfew, with a press conference tentatively scheduled for the following week if approval was granted.
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Joshua and Fury have already signed a contract to meet by the end of 2025, but the disagreement over the location has delayed the formal announcement.
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Turki Alalshikh had signed Joshua to a two-fight deal earlier in the year, while Netflix and Alalshikh were reportedly seeking a Friday fight at Madison Square Garden to maximize U.S. prime-time viewership.
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UFC chief Dana White has claimed he agreed the venue deal for Joshua-Fury, but Eddie Hearn has said White will have no involvement in the fight; the two promoters have exchanged public criticism for months.
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury's all-British heavyweight showdown is poised to land at Cardiff's Principality Stadium instead of New York, ending months of location disputes. Boxing News Online reported the 80,000-seat Welsh venue has emerged as the leading contender after Joshua's contract required the fight to stay in Britain. Promoter Eddie Hearn blocked Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh and Netflix from moving the bout to Madison Square Garden, setting up a clash over where boxing's richest fight will happen.
Principality Stadium Offers Unique Advantages for Late Start
The Principality Stadium's retractable roof and city-centre location make it ideal for hosting the heavyweight clash. Islington Gazette noted the venue offers superior sight lines compared to other UK options. However, officials face a hurdle: the stadium operates under a 10:30 p.m. curfew. The Welsh government is considering lifting this restriction to allow a late-night or early-morning start for American viewers.
The Sun reported the fight could kick off at 2 a.m. to maximize U.S. prime-time viewership. Wembley Stadium was previously considered but rejected due to curfew incompatibility with a similar early-morning start time. A press conference may follow within weeks if the Welsh government approves the curfew exemption.
Welsh Rugby Union Eager to Host Boxing's Biggest Fight
The Welsh Rugby Union, which owns Principality Stadium, enthusiastically backed the proposal. Officials stated they would be "delighted to host this fight" and are "very keen to attract more boxing to the stadium." The organization highlighted the venue's retractable roof, excellent sightlines, and central Cardiff location as major selling points for the heavyweight bout.
Joshua's Contract Blocks Saudi Arabia Push
Joshua and Fury have already signed contracts to meet by year's end 2025, but location disagreements delayed the official announcement. Turki Alalshikh signed Joshua to a two-fight deal earlier this year and pushed for a Friday fight at Madison Square Garden for peak U.S. television ratings. Eddie Hearn resisted these efforts, arguing Joshua's contract required a British venue.
UFC chief Dana White claimed involvement in the venue deal, but Hearn dismissed this, saying White would play no role. The two promoters have traded public criticism for months over control of the fight. Boxing News Online noted the November 20 date remains tentative, with a December alternative still under consideration amid ongoing negotiations.
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