The mega-fight between former heavyweight world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua appears to be close to an official announcement. According to insider Dan Rafael, posted on the social network X (Twitter) and reported by Sport RBC.UA, the parties have reached near-final agreement on staging the bout, which is planned for late 2026 in Wales.
Insider details: Cardiff and December 11
According to the respected journalist, if the fight is finalized 100%, it will take place on December 11 in Cardiff. Rafael emphasized that "it will still take some time to complete the bureaucratic procedures," and alternative dates — November 28 and December 4 — were also considered during the discussions. Thus, the promoters have several "windows" for staging the boxing night ahead of the New Year holidays.
Why not New York and not Wembley
Earlier, British media reported the possibility of holding the fight on November 20 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The American option was considered due to strict restrictions in London: the legendary Wembley Stadium has a ban on mass events after 23:00, which makes a full evening of boxing in the evening impossible. Promoter Eddie Hearn insisted that the principled duel take place in the United Kingdom, and Cardiff allows the event to be held under a roof and without time restrictions.
Contradictory data
Accounts of the fight's location and date in open sources conflict. On the one hand, insider Dan Rafael points to Cardiff and December 11 (with alternatives of November 28 and December 4). On the other hand, British media earlier named November 20 and Madison Square Garden in New York. The discrepancy is explained by the fact that negotiations are not yet complete: the American option was a working scenario until Hearn secured the fight in the United Kingdom. Until contracts are signed, none of the dates is final.
Bureaucracy and finalizing contracts
At present, the promoters are completing the process of obtaining the necessary permits for the final signing of contracts. As Rafael notes, the formal procedures still take time, which is typical for mega-fights of this scale, requiring coordination with regulators, arenas, and television. The official announcement of the fight will likely follow after all bureaucratic issues are closed.
Context: reaction around the fight
A discussion has already flared up around the potential Fury — Joshua fight: earlier, Oleksandr Usyk's cutman commented on the disputes surrounding this bout. The fight between the two British stars is considered one of the most anticipated in the history of the heavyweight division, and holding it in Wales will give the event a special national resonance.
