Cardiff's Fury v Joshua night could run until 3am, pending council decision
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are due to fight at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 11 December, but the late finish is now in the hands of local councillors.
The stadium has asked Cardiff Council for permission to sell alcohol and play music until 03:00 GMT on 12 December, with the venue staying open until 03:30. The event is expected to finish at 03:00 GMT so that the fight lands in prime-time viewing hours in the United States. Normally the stadium operates a curfew until 01:00 when the roof is closed, so the request is well beyond its usual limit. (BBC News)
Wembley Stadium in London was also considered. Its strict 23:00 event curfew, however, clashed with Netflix's wish to broadcast during US prime time, so the fight's organisers looked to Wales instead.
The application has drawn objections. Cardiff Council received complaints about anti-social behaviour, noise, traffic and public safety. Three residents wrote asking for the application to be rejected. They pointed to late-night music, amplified sound, crowds, shouting, vehicles and taxis, and early-morning shouting and singing that they said affects young children.
One resident who lives directly opposite the stadium wrote in support of the event but asked for extra conditions. They requested a plan to disperse crowds from surrounding streets, stewards on duty until the crowds had cleared, no amplified music outside after midnight, and street cleaning finished by 08:00 on 12 December.
Supporters of the extended hours argue the night would bring a significant economic boost to city businesses, along with visitors from the United States.
The decision rests with Cardiff Council's licensing sub-committee, a small group of councillors who handle licensing applications. It will meet to discuss the proposals on 25 November.
For fight fans, the practical question is simple. Whether the bouts can run into the early hours in Cardiff depends on that meeting, and the outcome will shape how the night looks for residents and visitors alike.
