The Principality Stadium in Cardiff has emerged as a potential venue for the blockbuster heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, should Wembley Stadium be unable to accommodate the fight due to a proposed 2am start time. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has confirmed it would welcome the opportunity to host the all-British contest, which is being orchestrated by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
Netflix's Global Broadcast Demands
Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Netflix, which is broadcasting the fight, wants the main event to begin at 2am UK time to maximise viewership in the United States. Hearn told IFL TV: "Netflix wants to maximize the viewership for that fight. They feel that a fight in the States at 5pm or 2pm on the West Coast doesn't rate highly. But a fight at 9pm East Coast or 10pm East Coast does rate significantly better." He added: "Everyone's going to watch, it doesn't really matter if it's at 2am or 11pm."
Wembley's Licensing Restrictions
Wembley Stadium's local licensing restrictions typically require events to finish by 11pm, which could conflict with the proposed 2am start. Organisers would need special permission for the stadium to remain open into the early hours, a hurdle that may be easier to overcome in Cardiff. The Principality Stadium has a history of hosting major boxing events in the early morning, including Joe Calzaghe's unification victory over Mikkel Kessler in 2007, which began after 2am to accommodate international broadcast schedules.
WRU's Enthusiasm
A WRU spokesperson told the BBC: "We'd be delighted to host this fight. We are very keen to attract more boxing to the stadium, which has a rich history in the sport, enhanced by its closeable roof, unrivalled sight lines and unique city centre location." The stadium's retractable roof and central location are seen as key advantages for hosting the high-profile event.
Joshua's Cardiff History
Anthony Joshua is no stranger to fighting in Cardiff. The former two-time heavyweight world champion successfully defended his titles at the Principality Stadium against Carlos Takam in 2017 and returned the following year to defeat Joseph Parker in another world title contest. Tyson Fury has also fought in Wales, albeit not at the Principality Stadium.
November Window and Rugby Fixtures
November has been suggested as the preferred window for the long-awaited meeting between Fury and Joshua. However, any Cardiff date would need to fit around Wales' autumn international rugby fixtures against Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. The WRU will need to coordinate with event organisers to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Upcoming Bouts for Both Fighters
Before the showdown can be finalised, both fighters are due back in action later this month. Fury is scheduled to face Poland's Mariusz Wach in Thailand on July 24, while Joshua will take on Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia a day later. If both emerge victorious, attention is expected to turn to one of British boxing's most anticipated fights.
Global Audience Considerations
Hearn emphasised the importance of the global audience, noting that Netflix is paying a significant sum for the broadcast rights. "They want as big a global audience as possible. That's the reality of it," he said. The 2am UK start time would allow for a prime-time evening broadcast in the United States, potentially drawing millions of viewers.
