The manager representing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has affirmed that the highly anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua is "100 percent happening," and that the Welsh capital, Cardiff, is emerging as a strong candidate to host the event. For months, the much‑talked‑about British heavyweight showdown has been caught in a web of negotiations, primarily because the two camps have not been able to agree on a venue. Joshua’s team has consistently insisted that the fight must be staged on British soil, while Fury’s camp has been more flexible about the exact location. This disagreement has kept the bout in limbo, despite both fighters expressing a desire to meet in the ring.
Spencer Brown, who handles Fury’s affairs, remains optimistic that the fight will not only materialise but will do so on home ground, possibly as early as December. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Brown said, "It’s inching closer and it looks like it could be the British Boxing Bonanza that we all hoped for, taking place in Britain." He went on to explain that three venues are still being weighed, with both Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and London’s Wembley Stadium still in the mix.
Brown emphasized Fury’s willingness to travel wherever the fight is booked, stating, "Tyson has been on board with fighting AJ since the start and he will fight him anywhere." The manager also hinted at a timeline, noting that both November and December are under consideration, but that December is the preferred window because it aligns with the holiday season. "Everyone would be winding up work for the holidays; it would be the best Christmas party in the world," he added. Expressing absolute confidence, Brown declared, "I’m 100 percent that the fight will happen." He acknowledged that negotiations are still ongoing, involving key promoters Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing and Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions.
While both promoters have signalled their support, the ultimate decision rests with the fight’s financiers and broadcasters – Saudi businessman Turki Al‑Sheikh, streaming platform Netflix, and the Saudi‑backed promotion company SELA. Brown believes the parties are on track to reach an agreement. Eddie Hearn, who has been a vocal advocate for bringing the bout to a UK audience, reiterated his commitment in the same Sky Sports interview. "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," he said. Hearn’s involvement is crucial, as he controls the promotional rights for Fury in the UK and has a vested interest in securing a venue that maximises ticket revenue and viewership. On the other side, Joshua’s promoter, Frank Warren, has also signalled a willingness to cooperate, though he has not made any public statements about a specific venue. Both Hearn and Warren understand that the fight’s commercial potential is enormous; a UK‑based heavyweight showdown between two undefeated champions could generate billions in pay‑per‑view sales, gate receipts, and ancillary revenue.
Adding a new dimension to the venue discussion, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) issued a statement in July expressing enthusiasm for hosting the bout at the Principality Stadium. The WRU highlighted the stadium’s modern amenities, including a retractable roof that ensures a controlled environment regardless of weather, and its reputation for delivering unrivalled sightlines for spectators. "We’d be delighted to host this fight," the WRU spokesperson said.
"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 Principality Stadium, formerly known as the Millennium Stadium, seats over 70,000 fans for sporting events and can be configured to accommodate even larger crowds for boxing, thanks to its flexible floor layout. Its central location in Cardiff makes it accessible via rail, road, and air, and the city’s hospitality sector is well‑equipped to handle an influx of international visitors.
Moreover, Wales has a growing boxing fan base, and the prospect of a heavyweight title fight could boost tourism and local economies significantly. If the fight were to be staged at Wembley, the iconic London arena would bring its own set of advantages. Wembley’s 90,000‑plus capacity, historic status, and proximity to major transport hubs would make it a magnet for fans from across the UK and Europe. However, logistical considerations such as the need for a temporary ring setup and potential scheduling conflicts with football fixtures could pose challenges.
Regardless of the final venue, the fight’s timing in December aligns with the traditional holiday boxing calendar, when audiences are more likely to stay home and purchase pay‑per‑view packages. This period also avoids clashes with other major sporting events, ensuring maximum media coverage and fan attention. In summary, Spencer Brown’s confident proclamation that the Fury‑Joshua fight is "100 per cent happening" reflects a convergence of interests among promoters, broadcasters, and venue operators. With Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and London’s Wembley both under serious consideration, negotiations are now focused on finalising financial terms, broadcast rights, and logistical details.
Should the parties reach an agreement, the world can expect a historic heavyweight showdown on British soil, likely in December, delivering a spectacular "Christmas party" for boxing fans worldwide.