Anthony Joshua Vs. Tyson Fury: Cardiff Fight Moves Closer As Both Sides Accept Less Money

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are now closing in on the long-awaited heavyweight showdown, with Cardiff’s Principality Stadium emerging as the likely destination for the blockbuster fight.

The venue dispute had threatened to derail the contest, with Joshua’s side insisting that the fight take place in the United Kingdom while Fury and the wider organising team had been looking at options in the United States. According to veteran boxing reporter Dan Rafael, however, the two sides are now moving towards a compromise that would see the fight take place in Cardiff, with everyone involved accepting less money to make the UK event happen.

Joshua Forced The UK Issue

Joshua’s contract was originally understood to require the fight to take place in the United Kingdom, while Fury’s agreement had different provisions. Rafael reported that Fury’s contract initially stipulated Ireland, partly because of more favourable tax implications, although he later agreed to options including New York and the UK.

The biggest recent disagreement centred on Madison Square Garden in New York. Netflix and Saudi-backed SELA wanted the fight in New York, while Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn remained determined to keep the event in Britain.

Hearn had previously pushed back against moving the fight to America because of the financial consequences, including taxation. Joshua’s camp wanted additional terms to compensate for the changes involved in moving the event away from the UK.

Rafael’s latest reporting suggests that the solution is effectively a financial compromise. Rather than maximising the potential commercial return by taking the fight to the United States, those involved are prepared to accept less money to ensure the all-British heavyweight clash takes place in Britain.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

Cardiff Emerges As The Solution

That compromise has put Cardiff firmly at the centre of the negotiations. Multiple sources told Rafael that Principality Stadium is now likely to host the fight, allowing Joshua’s contractual requirement for a UK venue to be satisfied. Wembley remains possible but is considered unlikely.

The stadium’s retractable roof is another major advantage, particularly for a fight planned for November or December. Its large capacity also makes it capable of hosting one of the biggest boxing events ever staged in Britain.

November 28 has emerged as one of the dates under consideration, although December 4 and December 11 are also reportedly in play.

Fury’s manager Spencer Brown has said the fight is happening, while negotiations over the final details continue.

After years of failed negotiations and repeated false starts, Joshua and Fury finally appear to be approaching the point where the location dispute can be put aside. If the latest agreement holds, the biggest all-British heavyweight fight of the era could finally happen on British soil — with the fighters and other parties accepting a smaller financial return to make it possible.