Saudi Arabia has requested an increase in Wembley Stadium’s capacity for Anthony Joshua’s upcoming fight against Daniel Dubois next month. The move comes in response to overwhelming ticket demand for the highly anticipated bout, which is set to take place on September 21, 2024.
Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced the request via a post on X, emphasizing the goal of achieving a record-breaking attendance for the event. Al-Sheikh’s post was later shared by Joshua, who is vying for the vacant IBF heavyweight title in this match-up against Dubois.
Al-Sheikh stated, “Due to high ticket demand… We’ve requested to extend the capacity at Wembley Stadium for the highly anticipated bout between Joshua and Dubois at #RiyadhSeasonCard Wembley Edition. We hope to set a record for the largest attendance in boxing history at Wembley Stadium.”
The fight was confirmed in June following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF heavyweight title. Usyk, who became the undisputed world heavyweight champion after his victory over Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia in May, was mandated to face Dubois as a challenger, prompting the clash between the British fighters.
Dubois secured his interim IBF champion status with an eighth-round stoppage win over Filip Hrgovic in June, while Joshua has been in form, having won his last four bouts, including a victory over Francis Ngannou.
