Tyson Fury has thrown his support behind Cardiff as the potential venue for his heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua, describing a fight in Wales as a homecoming.
The long-awaited bout could be staged at the Principality Stadium on December 11, although negotiations are still underway between the fighters’ camps and broadcaster Netflix.
Cardiff is reportedly ahead of New York and venues in the Middle East in the current discussions.
Fury recently shared an image of himself at the Principality Stadium on Instagram and explained why he would welcome the opportunity to fight there.
“If this fight happens in Wales, this will be amazing. All my mother’s people are from Wales. It will be like a homecoming,” he said.
Joshua’s contract reportedly requires the contest to take place in Britain, effectively ruling out Madison Square Garden in New York and possible Middle Eastern locations.
Wembley Stadium is also reportedly less suitable because the venue does not have a roof.
The Principality Stadium has previously provided the setting for one of Joshua’s fights. He defeated Carlos Takam there in 2017 before approximately 78,000 spectators.
A Fury-Joshua fight could bring another major sporting event to Cardiff, but organisers still have practical issues to resolve.
Read Also: ‘Cinema Or No Cinema, I’m Not Stopping’ – Eniola Ajao Fires Back At Critic Questioning Her Acting Talent
Hotel accommodation is already under pressure, with the Hilton, Parkgate and Marriott reportedly sold out for the proposed fight night.
The stadium’s 1am curfew could also create difficulties because Netflix reportedly wants a start time designed to attract viewers in the United States.
Cardiff Council has confirmed that it has not received an application for a curfew extension. Any request would reportedly take 28 days to process.
An official announcement on the venue is expected once negotiations are concluded.
Fury’s comments have added to speculation that Cardiff could host the fight, while his Welsh family connection would give the proposed event additional personal significance for the former heavyweight champion.
