Road closure and transport alert ahead of Joshua fight

A full city-centre road closure has been announced for Anthony Joshua’s upcoming heavyweight fight in Cardiff, with fans warned to plan ahead to avoid the travel chaos that blighted the boxer’s previous city bout.

A sell-out crowd of more than 65,000 is expected to flood the capital on Saturday, March 31, for the 28-year-old’s much-hyped clash against Joseph Parker at the Principality Stadium, with organisers keen not to have a repeat of what happened following Joshua’s defence of his WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles against Carlos Takam here last October.

That night saw hundreds of stranded ticket-holders enduring lengthy waits for taxis following the face-off as rail services were stymied by engineering works with the last Paddington-bound train having departed from Cardiff at 8.37pm, long before the fight had even begun.

And once again further disruption is expected on the rail networks for this spring’s showdown, with very limited train services said to be running after the main fight, which is scheduled to start at 10.30pm.

In addition, with enhanced security checks and searches due to take place at the stadium, those attending are urged to leave themselves plenty of time to get to the venue by 5pm, when gates open.

People travelling in by car have been advised to book a space in the park-and-ride facility in Leckwith.

Parking costs £10 on the day of the fight, with only cash payments accepted, and £8 if pre-booked.