The blockbuster heavyweight clash at the Principality Stadium has been billed for December 11. However, newly revealed scheduling details mean the main event will take place in the early hours of Saturday morning, UK time. A licence application submitted to Cardiff Council confirms that the ring walk is slated for approximately 1 AM, following a short live music performance, with the stadium remaining open until 3:30 AM.
The unusual timing is designed to capture peak viewing audiences in the United States. Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh, American business partner Dana White, and broadcaster Netflix had initially pushed to host the event at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Although Cardiff was announced as the official venue last month, the necessary premises licence modifications for the late-night event have not yet been finalized.
To secure permission, Millennium Stadium plc has applied for a “very limited one-off occasion” extension.
The application asks to push the cut-off time for boxing and wrestling entertainment from 1 AM to 3 AM on December 12.A council spokesperson stated: “This is to facilitate the proposed Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury bout, with the ring walk commencing at 0100.” The licence variation also requests concurrent extensions for live music, recorded music, late-night refreshments, and the sale of alcohol until 3 AM, with final stadium doors closing at 3:30 AM.