A Cardiff bar manager confidently declared, “Bring it on, we are ready and waiting,” as speculation heats up that the Principality Stadium might become the leading choice to host the highly anticipated fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. According to BBC Sport, the Cardiff venue is being considered as an alternative to both New York’s Madison Square Garden and London’s Wembley Stadium, much to the excitement of local bars and restaurants in the Welsh capital.
Mark Falzon, manager of City Arms, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s potential impact, saying it would be “really exciting” and beneficial for business. Similarly, Ffreya Davies of Bar 44 recalled that Joshua’s previous fight at the Principality drew customers from all over the world, marking a significant day for her tapas bar. The stadium’s retractable roof makes it a viable location even in late November’s potentially cold and wet weather, which could give Cardiff an edge despite London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan urging promoters to bring the fight to London.
For the bout to take place in Cardiff, Wales’ usual 22:30 curfew for nationwide events would need to be lifted to accommodate a 2:00 am start time requested by broadcasters Netflix. Falzon, whose pub is located opposite the stadium and operates until 4:00 am, sees this fight as the biggest UK boxing event in two decades and predicts widespread interest, even among those who don’t typically follow boxing. His pub is preparing by planning to remove furniture, offer food, and boost security for the event.
Drawing a parallel to the vibrant atmosphere during Oasis’s 2025 Cardiff gigs, Falzon anticipates a similarly electric vibe if the fight is held. Meanwhile, Davies hopes to see an influx of patrons before the fight, highlighting how major stadium events not only boost business but also showcase Cardiff on a global stage. She did note some concern for nearby residents but felt that closing the stadium roof could minimize noise disruptions at night.
Nick Newman, chair of Cardiff Night Forum and manager of nine city pubs, called the potential fight “massive” news for Cardiff. He emphasized the city’s world-class stadium and hospitality, saying, “It’s almost a case of why wouldn’t they bring it to Cardiff?” Newman also pointed out that licensing laws allow for temporary event notices which the council would likely approve due to the event’s scale. Comparing it to Taylor Swift and Oasis concerts, he anticipates even greater economic benefit, with visitors often arriving days in advance to support local business and staff employment.
The location of the Joshua-Fury fight has been a sticking point, with Fury expressing doubt as recently as last month and even hinting at seeking a different opponent due to claims Joshua was hesitating. Joshua, under contract with Saudi-backed promoter Sela, must have the fight held in the UK. When Sela targeted New York with a November 20 date to appeal to Netflix’s audience, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, demanded higher pay to cover US taxes. Meanwhile, Fury’s deal with Sela is for a US venue, and he has used social media to criticize Joshua’s hesitation to fight outside the UK.
Fury’s manager Spencer Brown told Sky Sports the fight is inching closer with Cardiff, Wembley, and one other venue still in the running. He called it the “British boxing bonanza” fans have long hoped for.
Fan Take: This news is thrilling for fight fans as it suggests the Joshua vs. Fury mega-fight could finally happen on home soil, bringing unmatched energy and global attention to British boxing. Hosting the event in Cardiff could boost the sport’s popularity further, energize local communities, and set a new benchmark for future heavyweight showdowns.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
