Cardiff officials want Britain’s biggest heavyweight fight, but Wembley remains the leading contender despite its late-night curfew challenge

Principality Stadium has declared its interest in staging Tyson Fury’s proposed heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua, offering Cardiff as an alternative if Wembley’s curfew becomes a stumbling block. The Welsh venue believes its retractable roof, city-center location and scheduling flexibility strengthen its bid for Britain’s biggest fight.

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“We are very keen to attract more boxing to the stadium which has a rich history in the sport, enhanced by its closable roof, unrivaled sight lines and unique city center location,” the spokesperson said to Sky Sports Boxing.

Cardiff could provide a solution to one of the issues surrounding the event. Organizers reportedly want Fury-Joshua to begin as late as 2 a.m. in the UK to attract a larger international audience.

Wembley Stadium normally operates under an 11 p.m. event curfew, and local authorities have not confirmed that an extension would be granted. A 2 a.m. start would not present the same problem at the Principality Stadium, where Joe Calzaghe’s 2007 victory over Mikkel Kessler also took place late at night.

Joshua has fought at the Cardiff venue twice, defeating Carlos Takam in 2017 before beating Joseph Parker the following year.

Even with those advantages, Alalshikh may remain cool to the idea.

The Principality Stadium does not carry the same historic prestige as Wembley, which has become the natural setting for the largest British sporting events. After years of discussion surrounding Fury-Joshua, staging it beneath the Wembley arch would add to the significance of the occasion.

Wembley also holds considerably more spectators. For a fight expected to generate one of the largest gates in British boxing history, the additional ticket revenue could play a major role in the final decision.

No venue has been confirmed for the proposed November fight. Fury must first defeat Mariusz Wach on July 24 in Thailand, while Joshua faces Kristian Prenga the following night in Saudi Arabia.

November 28 is reportedly available at the Principality Stadium, giving Cardiff a possible date if Wembley’s curfew becomes an obstacle.