Residents living near Cardiff’s Principality Stadium have opposed plans to extend licensing hours for the proposed Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua heavyweight boxing clash, citing concerns over noise, anti-social behaviour, traffic congestion and public safety.
Naija News reports that the all-British showdown is scheduled for December 11, with the event expected to continue into the early hours of December 12 to accommodate television audiences in the United States.
According to the BBC, the stadium has applied to Cardiff Council for permission to extend licensed activities, including alcohol sales and music, until 3 am. It is also seeking approval to keep the venue open until 3.30 am.
The application has attracted objections from residents, prompting the council’s licensing subcommittee to schedule a hearing for November 25.
The stadium currently operates a 1 am curfew when its roof is closed.
One resident living directly opposite the venue supported hosting the fight but called for measures to reduce disruption to the surrounding neighbourhood.
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 crowd dispersal plan, with stewards remaining on nearby streets until spectators had left. The representation also called for amplified outdoor music to stop after midnight and street cleaning to be completed by 8am on December 12.
Three other residents reportedly urged the council to reject the application, warning that noise and disturbances could continue long after the fight.
One objector said: “Music, amplified sound, large crowds, shouting, vehicles, taxis and people leaving the stadium can all result in disturbance continuing well into the early morning”, as quoted by the BBC.
Another resident, who has young children, described the proposed extension as one that would “cause absolute chaos for those of us living right next to it”.
The resident added that “shouting and singing” during the early hours could wake the entire household, leaving the children exhausted and stressed.
However, other residents have backed the proposal, arguing that the fight could deliver significant economic benefits to Cardiff by attracting tourists, particularly from the United States.
Cardiff emerged as the preferred venue after promoters considered other locations, including Madison Square Garden in New York and Wembley Stadium in London.
Wembley’s reported 11pm event curfew posed difficulties because of the preferred American television broadcast schedule.
Cardiff previously hosted Joe Calzaghe’s victory over Mikkel Kessler in 2007, with the fight starting at 2am local time to meet the requirements of American broadcaster Showtime.
The application, submitted under the Licensing Act 2003, allows members of the public to make representations either supporting or opposing proposed licensing changes.
The council’s licensing subcommittee will consider the objections before deciding whether to approve, amend or reject the stadium’s request.
