Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua set for Cardiff December 11

After a decade of negotiations, British heavyweights Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will clash on December 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The bout, worth £150 million, will be streamed live on Netflix and is expected to start around 2 am UK time to accommodate American viewers. The fight mark…

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:59:02 GMT

For more than ten years, boxing fans have waited for the moment when Britain’s two biggest heavyweights, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, would finally meet in the ring. The long‑awaited showdown is now confirmed for Friday, 11 December, at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The event, worth an estimated £150 million ($200 million), will be streamed live on Netflix, with the ring walks expected to begin at about 2 am UK time to satisfy American audiences.

Negotiations and the Path to Cardiff

The idea of a Fury‑Joshua fight dates back to the early 2010s, when both men were emerging as the face of British boxing. Over the years, the bout has been repeatedly postponed due to contractual disputes, venue issues and the involvement of different promoters. In 2021, a potential two‑fight deal seemed close to fruition, only for Fury’s contractual obligation to face Deontay Wilder to derail the plans. Subsequent negotiations in late 2022 stalled again, with Fury taking on other opponents and Joshua rebuilding after defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, who has been working with Saudi state‑owned promotion company Sela, finally secured the necessary agreements. Alalshikh’s involvement, along with the backing of Netflix, enabled the fight to be staged in the UK rather than the United States, where earlier talks had aimed for a November 20 event at Madison Square Garden.

Choosing the Venue: From Wembley to Cardiff

Wembley Stadium was the first venue considered for the December showdown. However, securing a late‑night permit for a 2 am start proved impossible under UK regulations. Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with a capacity of 80,000 and a retractable roof, offered the flexibility needed to host the bout at the required time. The Welsh capital’s ability to grant the necessary licence cleared the final obstacle, allowing the fight to stay on British soil.

Hotels across Cardiff are reportedly sold out as fans scramble to secure accommodation for what is already being described as one of the biggest fights in British boxing history. The choice of Cardiff also reflects the broader trend of Saudi investment in sports, with Alalshikh’s promotion company seeking to bring high‑profile events to the UK while maintaining a global audience via Netflix.

Financial Stakes and Promoter Dynamics

The fight is valued at £150 million, a figure that underscores the commercial importance of the event. Both fighters have separate agreements with Sela, which has added complexity to the negotiations. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, has been a vocal advocate for keeping the bout in the UK, arguing that British fans deserve a chance to witness the clash live. Fury’s camp, while initially open to a US venue, ultimately agreed to the Cardiff arrangement to ensure the fight materialised.

Turki Alalshikh’s role cannot be overstated. He has been the driving force behind the deal, negotiating with both camps and securing the Netflix broadcast rights. Alalshikh stated, “Two of the best heavyweights of this generation, finally in the ring together. This will be one of the biggest fights in boxing history.” His involvement highlights the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in global sports promotion.

What the Fighters Bring to the Ring

Anthony Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist from London 2012, has a reputation for knockout power. Despite being knocked down six times in his last two fights against Daniel Dubois and Kristian Prenga, Joshua remains a dangerous finisher. Tyson Fury, who returned from retirement earlier this year, has secured comfortable victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Mariusz Wach. However, analysts note that Fury’s best days may be behind him, raising questions about how much wear and tear each fighter will bring to the bout.

The match is expected to be a technical contest, with both fighters eager to claim bragging rights over the other. Bookmakers have set Fury as the early favourite at 8/15, while Joshua is priced at 13/8. The odds suggest a competitive fight that could go the distance.

Unresolved Questions and Next Steps

While the fight date and venue are confirmed, several details remain to be finalised. The exact start time, the order of ring walks, and any potential changes to the Principality Stadium’s premises licence are still pending. Additionally, the fight’s outcome—whether it will end in a decision or a knockout—remains unknown, adding to the anticipation.

Fans can expect the event to be broadcast live on Netflix, with the ring walks scheduled for around 2 am UK time. The late start is designed to accommodate the American audience, reflecting the global reach of the match.

As the date approaches, both fighters will likely focus on training camps and promotional appearances, while organisers work to ensure a smooth event for the thousands of fans who will fill Cardiff’s stadium.

Why This Fight Matters

The Fury‑Joshua bout is more than a sporting event; it is a cultural moment for British boxing, symbolising the culmination of a decade‑long saga. It also showcases the increasing role of international promoters and streaming platforms in shaping the future of the sport.

Key facts

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to fight on 11 Dec at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium
Event valued at £150 million and streamed live on Netflix
Turki Alalshikh’s promotion secured the deal, keeping the fight in the UK
Bookmakers favour Fury; fight expected to be competitive
Unresolved details include exact start time and potential licence changes

Why it matters

The bout marks the end of a decade‑long wait for Britain’s top heavyweights to face off, reinforcing the country’s status in global boxing and highlighting the influence of international promoters and streaming platforms.