Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has sought to allay fan concerns that the highly anticipated super-fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could take place in the middle of the night in the UK. The bout is reportedly nearing confirmation, with Cardiff's Principality Stadium expected to host the event on 11 December.
Hearn stated on Saturday that a 3am BST fight is unlikely, though discussions with the stadium and council about a slightly later start time have contributed to delays in the fight announcement. He confirmed that Anthony Joshua, 36, was instrumental in the decision for the fight to be held in the UK, a condition that has now been accepted.
The location had been a point of contention due to differing contract terms for Joshua and Fury, 38. Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, indicated that Tyson Fury's contract allowed for the fight to be held elsewhere, but the "Gypsy King" ultimately agreed to fight on British soil.
Both Joshua and Fury are former two-time world heavyweight champions, and a clash between them has been anticipated for nearly a decade. In their most recent outings, Fury stopped Mariusz Wach in Thailand in late July, while Joshua defeated Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia a day later, despite two first-round knockdowns.