LONDON – Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will finally meet in the ring on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, in one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in British boxing.
The bout, which will be broadcast on Netflix, was officially confirmed on Thursday after years of failed negotiations and verbal exchanges between the two former world champions.
Saudi Arabian boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh announced the fight on social media, ending months of speculation over whether the long-awaited clash would take place.
“For 15 years no one has been able to make this fight,” Alalshikh wrote. “Back in April, I said that any announcement would come from me. I can now confirm that Fury Vs Joshua will be coming to the UK, as I promised British boxing fans. The time for talking is over…”
Ring Magazine, owned by Alalshikh, will promote the fight in partnership with UFC president and Zuffa Boxing chairman Dana White.
White said the bout would bring together two of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing.
“For more than a decade, boxing fans have been clamouring for the heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua,” White said.
“Together, they bring 66 wins, 52 knockouts and multiple heavyweight world titles into the ring. On Dec. 11, two of the biggest heavyweights of this generation finally collide — and the winner will take a significant place in heavyweight history.”
The announcement follows months of negotiations between the two camps, with both fighters signing separate agreements with Alalshikh earlier this year before completing their respective tune-up fights in July.
Joshua had specifically insisted that the fight be staged in the United Kingdom as part of his original agreement.
However, Saudi promotional company Sela and Netflix had favoured hosting the event in the United States to cater to a global audience.
A renewed push by Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, eventually helped secure the UK as the location, with Cardiff’s Principality Stadium selected as the venue.
The 80,000-capacity stadium, which has a fully retractable roof, will host the long-awaited heavyweight showdown.
Following the announcement, Joshua posted a photograph of himself standing in front of a Union Jack flag on Instagram.
“The quietest ones often pull the strings. Those who appear least involved may hold the greatest control. Let them shout first, the wisest wait until the final move. Yours truly, Anthony Joshua”, he wrote
