Fury, Joshua finalise December 11 Cardiff clash

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are nearing a deal to fight in Cardiff on December 11, according to boxing writer Dan Rafael. November 28 and December 4 were previously mentioned as possible dates, but now December 11 is the preferred pick. Finalities like permits and approval must still be obtained, with the bout scheduled to commence at 2am UK time, which is a compromise for US broadcast timings.

The Principality Stadium, which usually closes at 10:30pm, is reportedly willing to grant an exemption for the early fight. The venue has hosted early start fights in the past, such as the 2007 Joe Calzaghe vs Mikkel Kessler bout. Initially, Madison Square Garden in New York was the go-to location, but Joshua's contract required the bout to be held in the UK, leading to the Cardiff decision.

The Welsh Rugby Union's hotel nearby is sold out for December 12, and other hotels in the city have also reached capacity, indicating high interest in the event. Fury, a recent victor over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Mariusz Wach, now faces Joshua, who has bounced back from a loss to Daniel Dubois, winning against Jake Paul, Kristian Prenga, and Itauma.