By Olusegun Samuel Precious
The long-awaited all-British heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is reportedly set for December 11, 2026, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Multiple reports, including The Athletic and BoxingScene, say the December 11 date is now the preferred option after November 20, November 28 and December 4 were considered.
A final announcement is still pending approval from Cardiff City Council.
The 73,931-capacity Principality Stadium was reportedly chosen over Wembley because of its retractable roof and greater flexibility for a late-night start.
The fight is expected to begin between 1 and 2 a.m. UK time on December 12 to accommodate Netflix’s United States prime-time audience. Netflix is expected to hold the broadcast rights.
The bout is reportedly worth close to 200 million dollars, with backing from Netflix, Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh and Sela.
Joshua, 36, had insisted that the fight take place in the United Kingdom under his contract, turning down a reported larger offer for a bout at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Fury, 38, has now agreed to fight in the UK.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has said an official announcement is expected soon.
Both fighters signed contracts in April to face each other this year. Fury will enter the bout after almost two years of inactivity following his two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Reports also indicate that hotels in Cardiff are already experiencing high demand ahead of the official confirmation.
The proposed December 11 date would bring the two British heavyweight stars together in a fight boxing fans have anticipated for years.
