The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is reportedly nearing its final confirmation, with a date of December 11th and a venue in Cardiff now widely circulated.
Boxing fans across the globe have eagerly anticipated this clash, and according to veteran sportswriter Dan Rafael on X, the bout is slated for Saturday, December 11th, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The iconic Welsh venue boasts a 74,000 capacity and has a history of hosting major boxing events, including Anthony Joshua’s victory over Joseph Parker in March 2018 and Joe Calzaghe’s win against Mikkel Kessler in November 2007.
A protracted negotiation and a clash of promoters
The path to this potential mega-fight has been fraught with complex negotiations since Fury and Joshua signed initial deals in April. Alternative dates, including November 28th and December 4th, were reportedly part of the discussions before the December 11th date emerged as the frontrunner.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has been vocal about what he described as a “power struggle” over the fight’s location, particularly with UFC President Dana White, who reportedly sought to bring the fight to the United States. Hearn, speaking to iFL TV, was unequivocal about White’s attempts to intervene.
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“Dana White has tried to get involved in a fight that he has nothing to do with and to get Sela to break their contract, scrap a British fight, and bring it to America,” Hearn stated. He added, “He thinks that he’s not causing a problem in this fight? All we have ever done is said, ‘We’ve signed our contract. Just honour the contract that we’ve signed.'”
Hearn further emphasized Joshua’s commitment to fighting on home soil. “And Dana White thinks you can throw a little bit of money at someone and they’ll dance to your f*cking tune. Well, guess what? Not on A.J.’s watch. That is why, unfortunately for these people, the fight will not be taking place in America, because Anthony Joshua is not a sellout,” Hearn asserted, confirming Joshua’s refusal of an offer to move the fight to Madison Square Garden.
Recent ring activity for both heavyweights
Both heavyweights have remained active in the ring this year, engaging in “tune-up fights” to prepare for this potential clash. Tyson Fury secured a seven-round stoppage win over Mariusz Wach in July, following a unanimous decision victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.
Anthony Joshua also fought in July, knocking out Kristian Prenga in the second round, despite being knocked down twice in the first. This marked Joshua’s first bout since a fatal car crash in December that claimed the lives of his friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
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While an official announcement is anticipated next week, the reported December 11th date in Cardiff suggests a late start time in the UK to accommodate American broadcast audiences.
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