Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are scheduled to face off at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on December 11. The much-anticipated bout is set to finally come to fruition as the former world champions settle their differences in the ring.
Their pair are unlikely to walk out before the early hours of December 12, however, with a later start occurring to cater to an American audience. AJ's promoter and Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has revealed that it could even creep to 2am before the first bell rings.
Start time and how to watch
"I think similar times to Calzaghe's boxed," Hearn said on his Matchroom YouTube channel. "I think that's going to be decided by Netflix and Turki Alalshikh (the founder of fight promoters Zuffa Boxing). It's my understanding it will be around 1am, 1.30am. But again, if it creeps to two, I don't know."
"Friday night, so perfect for people to get down there, travel after work. I think it's quite unique because on a Saturday, boxing would start around 4pm, 5pm. So you're really looking at boxing probably starting around 8pm or 9pm. Gives everybody a chance to get there."
Fury vs Joshua will be broadcast live and exclusively worldwide on Netflix. Subscribers will be able to watch the event through their existing monthly membership, with no additional pay-per-view charge expected.
Ticket information
Tickets went on sale on October 9 at noon. General admission tickets were available through Ticketmaster, with prices starting at £75. Fans looking for a premium experience can also book VIP and hospitality packages through Seat Unique. These packages typically offer premium seating, complimentary food and drink, early access and exclusive hospitality areas. The benefits vary depending on the package, so customers should check exactly what is included before booking.
The undercard
Speculation is mounting over who could serve up the appetiser to the main event, and Eddie Hearn is keen to see former world champion Joe Cordina take to the stage with the possibility of facing Abdullah Mason or Shakur Stevenson.
"I'd love to see Joe get an opportunity on the card," Hearn said. "Obviously, we've got a lot of Welsh fighters coming through as well. We've got so many young fighters who want to be a part of the night."
"I know they'll want to be an international focus on it, you know, I think of America, but match him with the Brits. You know, we're in Wales. Give Joe Cordina his shot. It's a hell of a fight."
Amir Khan has played down the possibility of fighting Manny Pacquiao on the card, despite admitting there are talks over a fight. "No. That's a rumour," he said. "Even if it was for that fight night, I wouldn't be ready for it and I don't think Manny would be either. We've both been travelling and we're obviously not back in camp. It's only about nine weeks away. I don't know where that came from."
Hearn has suggested that he may have some candidates to fight boxing legend Pacquiao on the card. "I was throwing Lewis Crocker, Connor Walker into the mix. Even Joe Cordina to fight Manny Pacquiao."
Another fight the Matchroom boss touted is Andy Ruiz, who defeated Joshua in 2019, against Dave Allen. Though he admitted that may be more likely to take place in Sheffield with no discussions taking place to facilitate the bout in December. "What about a little Andy Ruiz against Dave Allen? Why not? We might do that as a standalone," he said. "It hasn't been discussed for the AJ card, it's a fight I'd like to bring to Sheffield Arena."
Welsh twins Garan and Ioan Croft are hoping for a place on the card in Cardiff. The pair rose to prominence at the Commonwealth games four years ago as Garan took bronze at light-middleweight and Ioan won gold at welterweight.
"The one we both want is the Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury undercard in Cardiff," said Garan. "It would be great to get some Welsh fighters out there on the undercard, including me and Ioan. It would be a dream come true to fight there. Our management will do everything we can to get us on that show and we want to go for it."
Deontay Wilder is also reportedly being lined up to face undefeated cruiserweight Jai Opetaia. The Australian could step up a weight class to face the Bronze Bomber as Netflix attempt to establish a big-name undercard to lure in American viewers.
