The home of Welsh rugby is the favourite to host the heavyweight title fight next year
TYSON Fury is expected to defend his heavyweight title against Dillian Whyte in February or March, either at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium or Manchester’s Old Trafford.
But due to the unpredictability of British weather, Mail Online report that it is likely heading under the Principality’s roof.
Boxing journalist Ciaran Gibbons of S4C and KOTV believes that the roof will be the deciding factor in the final decision on the venue.
He said: “The only reason that will matter in the end is the fact that the stadium has a retractable roof.
“Even in the summertime it is a gamble putting on a boxing show in a British open-air stadium due to the weather.
“Just ask any boxing fan that got soaked during David Haye v Derek Chisora at Upton Park in July 2012.
“The fans were left literally singing in the rain.”
The Gypsy King has been chasing the undisputed unification bout against Oleksandr Usyk since the Ukrainian’s upset victory over Anthony Joshua.
However, with Joshua triggering the rematch clause against Usyk, the World Boxing Council have mandated Whyte as Fury’s next challenger.
This decision sets up the first all-British world heavyweight title fight since David Haye v Audley Harrison back in November 2010.
Plans for such a significant domestic clash coming to Cardiff provides an exciting prospect for Welsh boxing fans.
“It would be great to have Tyson boxing in Cardiff. He’s loved here by the Welsh people, and I have no doubt it would be a sell-out should they choose the Principality,” said Jason Thomas, 45, of Merthyr Tydfil.
But among all the excitement, there is a genuine confidence in Wales that Cardiff will be chosen to host the event.
“I think the fight will happen over here,” said Dafydd Lewis, 61, of Denbigh.
“Cardiff is the right choice because of the time of year it’s happening, Wales has a great history of boxing, and the stadium has successfully hosted world-class bouts before.”
The Principality has previously held many major boxing events, including Anthony Joshua v Joseph Parker and Joe Calzaghe v Mikkel Kessler.
By 2022, fans will be hoping Fury and Whyte can be added to that list, although the final judgement will ultimately rest in the hands of the promoters and boxers alike.
