The long-awaited megafight between former world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has received a new official status. The World Boxing Association (WBA) has made a resonant decision regarding the championship belt, which has already sparked a fierce reaction and threats of appeal from Murat Gassiev's camp.
New Status of the Megafight in Cardiff
According to authoritative sports publications, the bout between Fury and Joshua, scheduled for December 11, 2026, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, will be contested for the prestigious WBA Super heavyweight title. Organizers confirm the high significance of the event, which is expected to be broadcast on streaming platforms.
Changes in the Heavyweight Division Following Usyk's Decision
Recall that after Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk voluntarily relinquished all his championship regalia at the end of June, the situation in the heavyweight division underwent major changes. Initially, the WBA leadership elevated WBA Regular secondary belt holder Murat Gassiev to the status of full champion, and he even managed to successfully defend it against Germany's Peter Kadiru.
Controversial Data
In September, the WBA leadership radically changed its previous decision, ruling that the organization's main WBA Super title will be contested in the upcoming head-to-head matchup between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Due to this step, Murat Gassiev was effectively returned to his previous status as a WBA Regular secondary titleholder. Representatives of the boxer have already expressed fierce disagreement: co-promoter Ivaylo Gotsev publicly stated that the emergence of a new super champion violates ranking logic and infringes upon the rights of the organization's current champion, while preparing official complaints to sports authorities.
Further Prospects of the Division
Meanwhile, other championship belts previously vacated by Oleksandr Usyk have already found new owners as part of a massive heavyweight division overhaul. Experts continue to monitor developments surrounding the upcoming Cardiff show, which promises to be one of the premier sporting events of the year.
