Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Proposed for 1 AM Start in Cardiff
Cardiff Council has received a proposal for the Principality Stadium to host a late-night boxing match, with ring walks potentially at 1 AM and the venue remaining open until 3:30 AM.
A proposal submitted to Cardiff Council suggests a 1 AM start time for the highly anticipated boxing match between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, with the Principality Stadium potentially remaining open until 3:30 AM. The application, filed by Millennium Stadium Plc, requests a temporary change to the venue's premises license for this "very limited one-off occasion."
In addition to the boxing match, there is a request to permit live music until 3 AM on the same date, with a live performance anticipated before the fighters' ring walks. The plans also stipulate that the stadium roof would be closed for the event, and enhanced security measures would be implemented.
Objections from other authorities or members of the public can be submitted until November 3. A council hearing will convene to review any objections, and it is understood that permission will be granted if no objections are raised.
Initial discussions regarding the fight's location considered both the United Kingdom and New York City. Promoter Eddie Hearn reportedly advocated strongly for a Cardiff venue, influenced by broadcaster Netflix's interest in hosting the event at a time suitable for American audiences.
Tyson Fury is currently favored to win the bout. He has spoken about his significant weight loss, reducing from 28 stone to his current fighting shape. Fury has previously been candid about fluctuations in his physique, describing himself in January as a "fat, binge-drinking junk-food addict" upon his return from retirement.
Both fighters are projected to earn £75 million from the match. Reports from September indicated that American taxes would amount to approximately 30% of their purses, compared to a 20% tax rate in the UK. This tax difference was a point of contention, particularly for Joshua, who reportedly faced an additional £7.5 million tax liability in the U.S.
Joshua had insisted that his contract stipulate a British-based fight. While Wembley Stadium was initially considered, the Principality Stadium's enclosed roof and the Welsh government's flexibility regarding late-night curfews reportedly swayed the decision towards Cardiff.