Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will finally settle their long-running rivalry in the ring when they meet at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on December 11.
The heavyweight showdown was officially announced on Thursday, bringing an end to years of failed negotiations and speculation over a fight that has been one of British boxing’s most talked-about matchups.
The bout will be broadcast on Netflix, with Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh confirming the agreement on social media.
“For 15 years no one has been able to make this fight,” Alalshikh said. “I can now confirm that Fury vs Joshua will be coming to the UK, as I promised British boxing fans. The time for talking is over.”
The Ring Magazine, which is owned by Alalshikh, will promote the event alongside UFC president and Zuffa Boxing chairman Dana White.
White described the fight as a meeting between two of the most recognisable heavyweights of their generation.
“For more than a decade, boxing fans have been clamouring for the heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua,” White said.
Fury and Joshua have both signed agreements with Alalshikh earlier this year and completed separate tune-up fights in July before the final arrangements for their meeting were concluded.
Joshua had pushed for the fight to be staged in the United Kingdom, despite earlier plans that favoured the United States as the venue.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, was also involved in efforts to bring the contest to Britain, with Cardiff eventually selected as the host city.
The Principality Stadium, which can accommodate about 80,000 spectators and has a retractable roof, will stage the much-anticipated bout.
Joshua appeared to acknowledge the announcement on Instagram with a photograph of himself standing in front of a Union Jack flag.
“The quietest ones often pull the strings. Those who appear least involved may hold the greatest control,” he wrote. “Let them shout first, the wisest wait until the final move.”
The December 11 clash will bring together two former heavyweight world champions who have spent much of their careers being linked with a meeting that never materialised.