Cardiff is preparing to host the Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury fight at the Principality Stadium, with transport and emergency services already planning for the event, despite concerns the bout may not go ahead.
The fight, expected to draw tens of thousands of fans from across the country, has been thrown into doubt over a dispute between promoters Eddie Hearn and Dana White. Hearn has insisted White cannot be involved in promoting the event, and Fury has claimed the fight is close to collapse, putting its chances at one per cent.
Licence extension talks
Welsh authorities are continuing with the planning process. Talks are under way between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), which owns the stadium, and Cardiff Council to extend the Principality's curfew. The current licence, with the roof closed, would allow the fight to run until 1am. An application to extend the licence is due to be made and publicly advertised in the coming weeks.
Hearn has said he expects the main event to start beyond that cut-off point, but no application to extend the licence has been made yet.
Extra train services considered
The later start time will challenge public services, including transport. Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway, which run trains between south Wales and London, have held initial discussions about extra services for fans in the early hours.
A Transport for Wales spokesperson said: "We're delighted Cardiff has been chosen to host another major global sporting event and we look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of boxing fans on board our services."
"We have been working closely with the event organisers, the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Council to explore a range of options, including additional capacity into Cardiff and potential travel arrangements to help customers return home during the early hours of the morning."
"We're now working with Network Rail, Amey Infrastructure Wales and Great Western Railway on a provisional service plan and for all the other arrangements needed to host an event of this size in Cardiff."
Police and hospitality impact
Significant police and emergency services resources will be deployed in the city centre through the night. A South Wales Police spokesperson said the force is accustomed to policing major events in Cardiff, including international rugby, football matches, concerts and the Champions League Final.
"We have a good working relationship with our partners and will continue to work with them to ensure those attending have a safe and enjoyable experience for this event," the spokesperson said.
The start time could also affect bars and restaurants, as the fight falls in one of the busiest periods for hospitality before Christmas. Many hotels have already sold out for the night, and some Cardiff residents are listing their homes on Airbnb for more than £7,000.
Nick Newman, chair of the Cardiff Licensees Forum, said many businesses will take the challenge in their stride, noting the commercial benefits could extend beyond the day itself. He acknowledged that workforces face a long night and that Christmas bookings could shift by 24 hours.
"It's gonna be a monster shift anyway going into another very, very busy Saturday," he told WalesOnline. "But overall, my feeling is that we'll get to the Sunday after having had another busy Saturday, saying, 'Well, that was another amazing job well done'."
