Tyson Fury will face former two‑time world champion Anthony Joshua in an all‑British heavyweight showdown on 11 December at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The 80,000‑seat venue, known for hosting Champions League and FA Cup finals as well as Wales national team matches, was chosen after months of negotiations that had threatened to derail the fight. Saudi Arabian boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh confirmed the date and venue on Thursday, writing on social media: “For 15 years no one has been able to make this fight… I can now confirm that Fury Vs Joshua will be coming to the UK, as I promised British boxing fans. The time for talking is over….”
The bout, billed as one of the biggest in British boxing history, will be streamed on Netflix. It follows Fury’s 38‑year‑old victory over 46‑year‑old Mariusz Wach in Thailand last July, and Joshua’s 36‑year‑old win over Kristian Prenga after surviving two first‑round knockdowns two months ago.
Both fighters had already signed contracts earlier this year, but the venue and date had remained unconfirmed. Wembley in London and New York’s Madison Square Garden were the leading contenders before the Cardiff decision. “Forever indebted to the UK public for their support of Anthony Joshua. We couldn’t have got this over the line without you,” promoter Eddie Hearn said.
Fury, who has won 36 of his 39 fights and held the WBC, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles, was twice beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in 2024. Joshua, with 30 wins from 34 fights, has held the WBO and IBF titles at various stages and suffered losses to Usyk in 2021 and 2022.
The two heavyweights will begin the pre‑match hype with a press conference on 30 September in London. “Two of the best heavyweights of this generation, finally in the ring together,” Alalshikh said. “This will be one of the biggest fights in boxing history, I am very happy to make this fight happen for the fans.”
Joshua posted on Instagram after the announcement: “I am inspiring a generation.” The fight could take place in the early hours UK time to accommodate television audiences in the United States.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
