Cardiff council asked to approve 1am ring walk for Fury‑Joshua heavyweight bout

Millennium Stadium plc seeks a one‑off licence variation to keep the Principality Stadium open until 3.30am for the December heavyweight showdown.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:42:07 GMT

Millennium Stadium plc has applied to Cardiff Council for a special licence variation that would allow the ring walk for the Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury heavyweight bout to start at around 1 am, with the venue remaining open until 3.30 am on 12 December.

What happened

The application seeks to extend the existing premises‑licence cut‑off from 1 am to 3 am for boxing and wrestling entertainment on 12 December. It also requests extensions for live and recorded music, late‑night refreshments and alcohol sales until 3 am, with the stadium’s closing time moved to 3.30 am. A council spokesperson confirmed the request is “to facilitate the proposed Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury bout, with the ring walk commencing at 0100.”

What the reports add

Both Standard and Independent note that the early‑hour schedule is designed to suit peak viewing times in the United States. They also report that the venue was announced last month, but the required licence changes have not yet been secured. The Standard adds that the roof will be shut throughout the event and that enhanced security and stewarding arrangements will be in place.

What was said

A council spokesperson told Standard and Independent that the licence variation is “to facilitate the proposed Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury bout, with the ring walk commencing at 0100.”

How it came about

The request follows a series of developments surrounding the December 11‑12 heavyweight clash. Earlier this month Fury said he would ask Donald Trump to join his ring walk, while Joshua confirmed Peter Fury’s advisory role. Fury’s camp argued for an earlier start and questions arose over Dana White’s involvement. Joshua later alleged that Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh and Netflix were favouring Fury. The current licence application is the latest step to make the early‑hour fight possible in Cardiff.

Key facts

The ring walk is planned to start at around 1 am on 12 December. (standard.co.uk)
The venue will remain open until 3.30 am on the same night. (standard.co.uk)
Millennium Stadium plc seeks to extend permitted hours for boxing and wrestling from 1 am to 3 am. (independent.co.uk)
The licence variation also covers live music, recorded music, late‑night refreshments and alcohol sales until 3 am. (independent.co.uk)
A council spokesperson confirmed the request is to facilitate the Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury bout. (standard.co.uk)