Fury-Joshua fight: Cardiff residents oppose late-night extension

Getty Images A composite image, showing Tyson Fury on the left and Anthony Joshua on the rightGetty Images The British heavyweight boxing clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will take place at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on 11 December Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Residents of Cardiff have raised concerns over plans to extend licensing hours for the eagerly anticipated heavyweight boxing clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, citing fears of noise, anti-social behaviour, traffic congestion and public safety, according to the BBC on Wednesday.

The all-British heavyweight showdown is scheduled to take place at the Principality Stadium on December 11, with the event expected to continue until 3am on December 12 to accommodate prime-time television audiences in the United States.

However, the stadium’s request to extend its licensing hours has attracted objections from residents living near the city-centre venue.

Cardiff Council’s licensing subcommittee is scheduled to consider the application on November 25.

Under the proposal, the stadium is seeking permission to continue licensed activities, including alcohol sales and music, until 3:00am, while the venue would remain open until 3:30am.

The stadium currently operates a 1:00am curfew when its roof is closed.

One resident living directly opposite the stadium expressed support for hosting the fight but called for additional measures to protect people living nearby.

In a representation submitted to the council, the resident said: “My representation relates to the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder.”

The resident requested a dispersal plan for surrounding streets, with stewards remaining in place until crowds had cleared. The representation also called for an end to amplified outdoor music after midnight and completion of street cleaning by 8:00am on December 12.

Three other residents reportedly urged the council to reject the application, raising concerns about the impact of the event on the surrounding neighbourhood.

One objector warned that disturbances could continue long after the fight had ended.

“Music, amplified sound, large crowds, shouting, vehicles, taxis and people leaving the stadium can all result in disturbance continuing well into the early morning,” the resident wrote.

Another resident with young children said the proposed late-night event could create serious disruption for families living close to the stadium.

The resident described the situation as one that would “cause absolute chaos for those of us living right next to it”.

The person added that activities such as “shouting and singing” in the early hours could “completely wake the whole house up and leave us with exhausted, stressed children”.

However, some residents have supported the proposed licensing extension, arguing that the fight could generate economic benefits for Cardiff.

One supporter said the event would bring a “significant economic boost” to businesses across the city, while another suggested it could attract additional tourists, particularly from the United States.

The Fury-Joshua contest is regarded as one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in British boxing history, with several venues previously considered for the encounter, including Madison Square Garden in New York.

Wembley Stadium in London was also discussed as a possible venue, with Mayor Sadiq Khan urging promoters to consider the capital.

However, its strict 11:00pm event curfew reportedly presented difficulties because of the preferred United States broadcast schedule.

Cardiff has previous experience hosting major boxing events at unusual hours to accommodate American television audiences.

In 2007, Joe Calzaghe’s super-middleweight unification victory over Mikkel Kessler at the Principality Stadium did not begin until 2:00am local time to meet the scheduling requirements of American broadcaster Showtime.

The current licensing application was submitted under the Licensing Act 2003, which provides for a 28-day consultation period during which members of the public can submit representations supporting or opposing proposed changes.

The council’s licensing subcommittee is required to consider objections received and may modify the existing licence conditions or reject all or part of the application.

The decision will determine whether the stadium can extend its licensed activities into the early hours of December 12.