Tyson Fury’s camp has announced that the much‑anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua is "100 per cent happening," and the Welsh capital, Cardiff, has entered the shortlist as a possible venue for the bout. The high‑profile clash between the two British heavyweights has been stalled for months, largely due to a disagreement over where the fight should be staged.
Joshua’s representatives have been adamant that the event must take place on British soil, while promoters have been weighing a range of locations that could accommodate the massive logistical and commercial demands of a fight of this magnitude. Spencer Brown, who manages Fury, expressed confidence that the fight will materialise, and he hinted that it could be scheduled for December, giving both fighters ample time to prepare and fans a festive‑season spectacle.
"It’s inching closer and it looks like it could be the British Boxing Bonanza that we all hoped for, taking place in Britain," Brown told Sky Sports. He added that three venues are still under consideration, with Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and London’s iconic Wembley Stadium remaining at the forefront of discussions. The manager underscored Fury’s willingness to travel wherever the fight is booked, noting that the champion has been eager to face Joshua since the early stages of the negotiations.
"Tyson has been onboard with fighting AJ since the start and he will fight him anywhere," Brown said. He also highlighted the timing, suggesting that a December date would be ideal because it coincides with the holiday season, when many people are off work and looking for major entertainment events. "November and December are both in play but we like December as an option – everyone would be winding up work for the holidays, it would be the best Christmas party in the world," he explained.
Brown was unequivocal about the certainty of the bout: "I’m 100 per cent that the fight will happen." He acknowledged that negotiations are still ongoing, with both Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing and Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions reportedly supportive of a UK staging. The final decision, however, rests with the key stakeholders – Saudi Arabian sports patron Turki Al‑Sheikh, streaming giant Netflix, and the Saudi‑based promotion company SELA, which are all involved in the fight’s financing and broadcast arrangements.
"Everyone is still in negotiations, Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren are both onboard but I’m fully confident we can get it done. Of course the final say will be with Turki Al‑Sheikh, Netflix and SELA, but we are on track to getting it done," Brown affirmed.
Eddie Hearn, who has been instrumental in bringing major fights to the UK, reiterated his commitment to delivering the Fury‑Joshua clash on home turf. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, "We continue to do everything we can to bring this fight to the UK. We are in constant communication with Netflix and SELA – keep your fingers crossed." Hearn’s statements reflect the broader strategic interest of UK promoters to keep marquee events within the country, both for the benefit of local fans and for the economic boost that such a high‑profile fight can generate.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) also entered the conversation in July, expressing enthusiasm about potentially hosting the bout at the Principality Stadium. A WRU spokesperson told Sky Sports, "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 closable roof, unrivalled sight lines and unique city‑centre location." The stadium’s retractable roof and modern facilities make it an attractive option for a winter‑time event, as it can provide a controlled environment regardless of weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable experience for both the fighters and the audience. The prospect of Cardiff as the venue adds an extra layer of excitement for Welsh fans, who have long awaited a major boxing spectacle in their capital. The city’s infrastructure, including excellent transport links, hotels, and a vibrant nightlife, would support the influx of international visitors expected for a fight of this scale. Moreover, hosting the bout in Wales could help broaden the sport’s appeal across the United Kingdom, showcasing the nation’s ability to stage world‑class events beyond the traditional London venues.
From a commercial perspective, a December date aligns well with Netflix’s content calendar. The streaming platform, which has been investing heavily in premium boxing productions, could schedule the fight as a flagship event to close out the year, potentially drawing record viewership numbers. The partnership with SELA and Turki Al‑Sheikh also brings significant financial backing, ensuring that the fighters receive lucrative purses and that production values meet the high standards expected by global audiences.
In summary, while negotiations are still in progress, the consensus among the key players is that the Fury‑Joshua fight is not only feasible but highly likely to happen on British soil, with Cardiff emerging as a strong candidate. The combination of enthusiastic promoters, supportive governing bodies, and a world‑class venue creates a compelling case for the bout to become the biggest boxing event the UK has seen in recent years. Fans can look forward to a potential December showdown that promises to deliver drama, high stakes, and a historic moment for British heavyweight boxing.