Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury may now resolve their long-standing boxing rivalry in Wales. The British heavyweight pair were anticipated to meet at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 20. However, Joshua's agreement contains a provision requiring the bout to be held in the UK, and he has insisted this be upheld.
Cardiff emerges as contender
Discussions with Wembley Stadium resumed last week, but Cardiff's Principality Stadium has emerged as a contender. The 80,000-capacity venue benefits from having a retractable roof. The encounter would take place during the early hours to accommodate the American audience and could be delayed until December.
A Friday evening slot remains preferred to prevent clashing with the American football calendar. Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh and streaming platform Netflix are keen for the contest to occur in the United States.
Promoter's stance
Yet Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn maintains it should be held on British territory, with the provision in Joshua's agreement supporting his position. The heavily-promoted heavyweight encounter has become embroiled in disputes regarding the fight's venue.
Last week, Hearn threatened legal proceedings against TKO Group Holdings - the parent organisation of Dana White's UFC and Zuffa Boxing - for attempting to 'entice' Joshua to the US.
Wembley obstacles
Wembley's prospects of staging the battle were undermined by Alalshikh's demand for a 2am commencement time, with the national venue's curfew only extendable to 1am. This propelled Cardiff back into the frame, with the Principality Stadium having submitted a proposal for the fixture in July.
"We'd be delighted to host this fight," a spokesperson for Welsh Rugby Union, which own the stadium, told Sky Sports at the time. "We are very keen to attract more boxing to the stadium which has a rich history in the sport, enhanced by its closable roof, unrivalled sight lines and unique city-centre location."
Venue's boxing heritage
The venue previously welcomed Joshua's victory over Carlos Takam in 2017, attracting 78,000 spectators, while AJ also faced Joseph Parker twelve months later at the same location.
While primarily recognised for rugby fixtures, the Principality Stadium boasts a distinguished boxing heritage, having witnessed Welshman Joe Calzaghe compete against Mikkel Kessler in 2007. The Welsh capital also served as the setting for Lennox Lewis versus Frank Bruno at the former National Stadium in 1993.
