Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury will finally land in the UK after weeks of uncertainty, but the Friday-night spectacle will not follow standard British boxing hours.
Following today’s official announcement that the two former unified heavyweight champions will collide on December 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, the stakes were raised further with confirmation that the vacant WBA ‘Super’ world heavyweight title will be on the line.
Until recently, the bout seemed destined for New York’s Madison Square Garden. While Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn held firm to ensure the domestic mega-fight returned home, broadcaster Netflix and Saudi organisers Sela have ensured the event remains squarely built around American primetime.
Rather than the traditional 10 PM domestic main event slot, Cardiff fans inside the stadium – and British viewers watching at home – face an early-morning marathon.
Speaking via Matchroom Boxing, Hearn revealed just how late UK fans will have to wait:
“It’s my understanding [the main event] will be around 1-1:30 AM. But, again, if it creeps to 2, I don’t know. It’s quite unique because on a Saturday, boxing would start around 4-5 PM. You’re really looking at boxing probably starting around 8 PM or 9 PM.”
A 2:00 AM BST ringwalk aligns with 9:00 PM on the US East Coast and 6:00 PM on the West Coast.
While the late hour will test ticket holders in the Welsh capital and viewers around the UK, reported talks to stage a co-main event between Manny Pacquiao and Shakur Stevenson help explain why the broadcast is being pushed deep into the night.
