Joshua-Fury Cardiff bout set for Dec 11 with WBA 'super' title, no rematch clause

Key points

• The heavyweight bout is scheduled for December 11 at the 80,000-capacity Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
• The WBA 'super' heavyweight title is on the line, a status revived after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt in June.
• Frank Warren confirmed there is no rematch clause in the contracts, stating 'No, not at the moment.'
• The fight is broadcast globally by Netflix, with a ringwalk expected around 01:00 or 01:30 GMT to accommodate US audiences.
• Negotiations faced delays due to inconsistencies in date, location, and drug-testing protocols between the camps.

Background

The Joshua-Fury rivalry has spanned over a decade, with previous attempts to stage the fight failing due to contractual disputes and venue disagreements. Earlier reports suggested a potential November 20 date at Madison Square Garden, but Joshua's camp insisted on a UK location. The WBA had briefly retired the 'super' title after Usyk's departure, only to reintroduce it for this bout, bypassing current champion Murat Gassiev.

How outlets are covering it

BoxingScene and The Ring confirm the WBA 'super' title is on the line, noting the WBA ranks Fury second and Joshua third. BBC Sport highlights the 'compromise' narrative, with Frank Warren claiming Fury accepted the UK venue to ensure the fight happened, while Eddie Hearn describes it as a 'two-man crusade' to keep the fight in Britain. MMA Fighting reports Hearn's public dispute with Dana White, with Hearn insisting White is not involved in the promotion despite Netflix's description of the event as a collaboration. BoxingScene notes the WBA faces questions from Gassiev's camp regarding the title award.

Why it matters

This bout resolves one of boxing's most elusive heavyweight rivalries, offering both fighters a chance to regain a version of the world crown late in their careers. The controversy over the WBA 'super' title and the promotional power struggle between Hearn and Dana White highlight the complex commercial and political dynamics in modern boxing.

What to watch

A press conference is scheduled for September 30 in London to clarify promotional roles and ringwalk details. The fight itself is set for December 11, with the winner potentially pursuing further title opportunities and the loser facing the end of their career, according to Frank Warren.