Brief

Cardiff council reviews 1 am start for Fury‑Joshua fight

A licence change would allow the heavyweight clash to start after midnight, with live music and security measures planned.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 08 Oct 2026 07:48:05 GMT

Cardiff Council has been asked to amend the Principality Stadium’s premises licence so that the Tyson Fury‑Anthony Joshua heavyweight bout can begin at 1 am on 11 December, according to a council application reported by the Daily Mail.

What happened

The application proposes ring walks at 1 am, the stadium remaining open until 3.30 am, and live music until 3 am. The roof would be closed for the event and extra security deployed. The public and other authorities may lodge objections until 3 November, after which a council hearing will decide.

What the reports add

The BBC is cited as confirming Millennium Stadium Plc’s request to change its licence for a “very limited one‑off occasion”. The same source notes that the council will grant permission if no objections are received.

What was said

Promoter Eddie Hearn is said to have pushed hard for a Cardiff venue, while Netflix wants a later start to suit U.S. viewers. Both fighters are set to earn £75 million each, with Joshua reportedly unhappy about a potential extra £7.5 million tax bill in the UK.

How it came about

Initial doubts about a UK or New York location gave way to Cardiff after Hearn favoured Wembley but the Welsh government’s willingness to relax its curfew and the stadium’s roof made the Principality Stadium the preferred site.

Key facts

Cardiff Council received an application to allow a 1 am start for the Fury‑Joshua fight. (dailymail.co.uk)
The licence change would keep the stadium open until 3.30 am with live music until 3 am. (dailymail.co.uk)
Both fighters are set to earn £75 million each, with Joshua concerned about a £7.5 million tax difference. (dailymail.co.uk)
Eddie Hearn pushed for a Cardiff venue; Netflix wants a later start for U.S. viewers. (dailymail.co.uk)