Anthony Joshua has pledged to inspire the next generation following confirmation of his showdown with Tyson Fury. The fight, which will rank among the most significant in British boxing history, is scheduled for Cardiff's Principality Stadium on December 11.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation, revealed the arrangements with the tagline: "Years in the making. One night to settle it." Alalshikh's The Ring will partner with promoter Dana White, and the contest will be broadcast worldwide on Netflix at no extra charge.
Long-awaited announcement
There had been considerable doubt whether an agreement would materialise for Britain's two most prominent boxers to resolve a rivalry that has previously been conducted through verbal exchanges, amid extensive speculation regarding the possible location.
Joshua, alongside promoter Eddie Hearn, had campaigned to guarantee the bout takes place in the UK, and the Olympic champion posted on social media: "I am inspiring a generation."
He added: "The quietest ones often pull the strings. Those who appear least involved may hold the greatest control. Let them shout first, the wisest wait until the final move."
Fight details and records
Alalshikh, meanwhile, stated: "Two of the best heavyweights of this generation, finally in the ring together. This will be one of the biggest fights in boxing history, I am very happy to make this fight happen for the fans."
Boxing fans across Britain will be thrilled that the bout is set to take place on home soil, with Fury and Joshua scheduled to appear at a press conference on September 30 at British Airways Arc in London.
Both fighters boast impressive world title pedigrees, with Joshua holding a 30-4 win-loss record, while Fury's professional record stands at 36 wins, two losses and a draw.
Start time speculation
Hearn had played down the prospect of a fight taking place at 3am in the UK last week, which was mooted in order to appease American viewers.
"People talk about a 3am BST fight? I don't think you'll see the fight that late," Hearn said on Saturday.
"But obviously there had to be conversations with the [Principality] Stadium about what's possible and what is not possible. That's probably a reason for the delay [of the fight announcement]: to make sure everything is boxed off with the council to have a slightly later start time."
