Nocturnal 
It was billed as the fight British boxing fans have waited more than a decade for. Now Tyson Fury says his long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua could be off before the pair even step in the ring.
Just days after their 11 December clash at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium was officially confirmed, Fury claimed on social media that the fight was “in jeopardy” following a row between the rival camps, as first reported by LADbible. WalesOnline reported that Fury pointed the finger at Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, over the dispute, though the precise details of the falling-out remain unconfirmed.
What’s the row actually about?
Fury and Joshua signed separate contracts with Saudi event organisers Sela rather than one joint agreement, and that has reportedly opened the door to disputes over who is considered the “A-side”, who gets the home dressing room, and who makes their ring walk first on the night, according to The Sun.
That last point matters more than it sounds. Whoever walks out second gets to make their rival wait around in the cold, something Fury has form for. He kept Dillian Whyte waiting around 20 minutes at Wembley in 2022, and was seen wrapped in towels to stay warm during his December 2022 fight with Derek Chisora despite entering second himself.
Hearn, who has been through similar contract headaches before, told The Sun: “It just causes non-stop problems and we had it with the Eubank vs Benn fights too. People are so desperate to get deals done that they just say ‘yes’ but down the line it kicks you in the nuts.”
As things stand, it isn’t clear whether the latest row is serious enough to derail the fight entirely or whether it’s the kind of last-minute wrangling common before major bouts. Metro reported that Fury has claimed the fight is off just days after the announcement, so it’s one to watch closely in the coming days.
Cardiff braced for a huge night regardless
Assuming it goes ahead, the fight is expected to be a major boost for Cardiff’s economy. The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed the 80,000-capacity Principality Stadium would host the bout, with council leader Cllr Chris Weaver saying it “has the potential to bring significant economic benefits to the city”.
Local businesses are already gearing up. Nick Newman, chairman of Cardiff Night Forum, said pub owners across the city are stocking up on beer and food, with an extended licence agreed with the council and South Wales Police allowing alcohol to be served until 5.30am. Twm Jones, of a bar opposite the stadium, said he expects to order triple his usual amount of stock.
Not everyone is thrilled, though. Local resident Sarah Hill told the BBC that big events at the stadium are “an inconvenience to the people that live here”, adding that getting around the city becomes a nightmare.
Fury’s eyes already on Usyk
Before the row emerged, Fury had made clear he sees Joshua as a warm-up act. Speaking on the Furocity YouTube channel, he said: “I’m going to box the head off him and stop him inside six or seven rounds. I’m only using Joshua as a stepping stone, a warm-up to Usyk.” He added he wants a decisive trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk in America afterwards.
Interestingly, UFC boss Dana White’s name has also started trending in UK searches alongside the story, though there’s no indication in reports so far of what, if any, role he might have in proceedings.
For now, the fight remains scheduled for 11 December in Cardiff, but with Fury himself casting doubt on whether it will happen, fans will be watching closely to see if the two camps can resolve their differences before fight night.
