Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury ring walk time set, fans upset about the choice
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’s ring walks are set to happen in the early morning hours in the UK, which has left many fans unhappy.
Joshua and Fury are scheduled to fight at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11 in what is expected to be one of the biggest British heavyweight matches ever. However, the fight time is being planned to suit fans in the United States. Since both fighters are British, many fans at home aren’t pleased with this decision. New paperwork revealing a proposed 1am ring walk time seems to have made fans even more upset.
Reports say that a request was sent to Cardiff Council to keep the stadium open until 3:30am on fight night. The plan is for the ring walk to happen at 1am, following a short live music show, although details on the performer aren’t out yet. This request is needed because the stadium’s license must be changed to stay open so late and host the fight.
On Twitter, fans have shared their frustration. One said, “Might as well have it at Madison Square Garden then… it’s supposed to be the biggest BRITISH boxing match ever. Why are we catering to America and Saudi Arabia?” Another wrote, “Always trying to please American fans. Such a silly time for the main fight.” Many agreed that doing the ring walk at 1am in the UK doesn’t make much sense, especially for two British fighters.
Joshua’s longtime promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing handled the fight talks, but Hearn gave credit to Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh for finally making the fight happen. Hearn told Ariel Helwani, “This is one of the biggest sporting events ever. The whole country will stop to watch. Alalshikh made it happen. I couldn’t get this fight done for years, but he did.”
Dana White and his Zuffa Boxing group have also claimed involvement. White said he tried to arrange the fight at Madison Square Garden before it was announced it wouldn’t be there. Now, he says Zuffa will help with production, though Hearn says that would break contract rules. White hasn’t clearly explained his role in the fight.
Tickets go on sale Friday, October 9, with general admission starting at £75. VIP tickets aren’t confirmed but range from £258 up to £3,633 on HelloTickets. The general sale will start on Ticketmaster at noon UK time.