Hotels in Cardiff have sold out ahead of a potential date for the Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury heavyweight clash, with December 12 reportedly being lined up for the long-awaited showdown.
The Welsh capital is the favourite venue for the fight between the two British heavyweights, with the Principality Stadium emerging as the preferred option over New York’s Madison Square Garden, as boxing fans move to secure accommodation ahead of an official announcement.
The Welsh Rugby Union’s own hotel, The Parkgate, situated next to the stadium, no longer has rooms available for that weekend, while the city centre Marriott and Holiday Inn are also sold out on December 12.
Friday, December 11, is also being considered as an alternative date.
Months of speculation have swirled around the fight, with the venue emerging as a central sticking point in negotiations.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has continued to insist that the bout must take place in the United Kingdom, rejecting claims by Ultimate Fighting Championship chief executive and Zuffa Boxing co-founder, Dana White, that he has been preventing the fight from happening.
Hearn said Joshua had been offered more money to stage the fight in the United States but remained committed to holding the bout in Britain, adding that public support for a UK venue has strengthened his client’s resolve.
“Anthony Joshua could have taken many millions more to do the fight in America. We want the fight in Britain. The support that we have had on social media, my social media, AJ’s social media, has made us double down on our principles on this. We are not trying to hurt the fight,” Hearn said.
Wembley has also been discussed as an alternative UK venue, though Hearn said Joshua will make the final decision on the fight’s location.
