Explore 5 of the Biggest Boxing Venues Outside the US

When people think of the biggest boxing venues, names like Las Vegas, New York’s Madison Square Garden, or Los Angeles often come to mind first. These American arenas have built legacies around unforgettable fights. However, boxing is a global sport, and some of the most iconic and historic matchups have taken place far beyond US borders. From Europe to Asia, stadiums filled with roaring crowds have become part of the sport’s grand history.

In this article, we explore five of the biggest boxing venues outside of the US, their histories, their legendary nights, and why they continue to matter in modern boxing.

The Global Reach of Boxing

Boxing is not confined to a single country or continent. Fans across the world have embraced the sport, and major promoters and fighters often look to international stages to showcase the biggest fights. This global reach has created iconic boxing moments in places like London, Cardiff, Dublin, Tokyo, and beyond.

Whether it is a football stadium transformed into a boxing colosseum or a world-renowned indoor dome, these venues represent the international appeal of the sport.

Wembley Stadium – London, England

Wembley Stadium is often considered the crown jewel of British boxing. With a capacity of 90,000, it is the largest stadium in the United Kingdom and one of the biggest boxing venues in the world.

Wembley’s importance to boxing was cemented when Anthony Joshua defended his IBF heavyweight title against Wladimir Klitschko in 2017, a night that drew a record crowd and global attention. That bout also saw Joshua capture the WBA (Super) and IBO titles, adding to the magnitude of the occasion.

Other British stars like Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte, and Carl Froch have also graced the Wembley stage, creating unforgettable memories for fight fans. The stadium’s size, prestige, and atmosphere make it a venue that rivals even Las Vegas in terms of spectacle.

Principality Stadium – Cardiff, Wales

Located in the heart of Cardiff, the Principality Stadium (formerly the Millennium Stadium) is another major European landmark for boxing. With a capacity of 74,000 fans and a retractable roof, it offers a unique and electrifying fight-night experience.

In 2017, Anthony Joshua fought here twice, first against Carlos Takam and then against Joseph Parker, with both events drawing massive crowds. The closed roof only amplified the roar of Welsh and international fans, making each fight feel even more intense.

The stadium has become synonymous with large-scale sporting events, and its role in boxing highlights how the UK has become a hub for global heavyweight boxing in recent years.

Croke Park – Dublin, Ireland

When discussing historic boxing venues outside the US, Croke Park in Dublin must be included. Though better known for Gaelic football and hurling, its 82,000-seat capacity makes it one of the largest potential venues for boxing in Europe.

In 1972, Muhammad Ali fought here against Alvin Lewis, cementing its place in boxing history. The stadium has since been linked to Irish boxing icon Katie Taylor, whose fans have long hoped for a dream homecoming bout at Croke Park.

Such a fight would not only honor Taylor’s incredible career but also bring one of the loudest atmospheres in boxing to life. With its history and size, Croke Park remains one of the most anticipated venues for a modern super-fight.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – London, England

A newer player in the boxing world, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has quickly earned respect as a modern fight venue. Opened in 2019, it can host 62,000 fans and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it an attractive option for promoters.

Its most notable boxing night so far came in 2021, when Anthony Joshua faced Oleksandr Usyk. That bout marked a turning point in the heavyweight division, as Usyk dethroned Joshua and began his journey toward becoming the undisputed champion.

In addition, the stadium recently hosted Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn, drawing a sell-out crowd and proving its potential for more blockbuster nights. With Eubank vs. Benn 2 scheduled for November 15, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set to further establish itself as one of the biggest boxing venues in the UK.

Tokyo Dome – Tokyo, Japan

Asia’s most famous boxing venue is undoubtedly the Tokyo Dome. With a capacity of over 55,000 fans, it has hosted some of the most memorable fights in boxing history.

The Tokyo Dome gained legendary status when Buster Douglas shocked the world by knocking out Mike Tyson in 1990, one of the biggest upsets in sports history. More recently, it has become the stage for modern Japanese boxing icons like Naoya Inoue, who defended his titles there in 2024 against Luis Nery.

The Dome’s reputation extends beyond Japan, symbolizing Asia’s important role in global boxing. Fans now speculate about a potential Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani showdown in 2026, which would once again shine the global spotlight on Tokyo.

Other Notable International Boxing Venues

Beyond these five giants, several other arenas around the world have made their mark in boxing:

• Arena Mexico (Mexico City, Mexico): Known for its deep combat sports history and passionate fans.

• Stade de France (Paris, France): A massive stadium with potential to host future mega-fights.

• Diriyah Arena (Saudi Arabia): Host of high-profile fights in recent years, helping establish the Middle East as a new boxing destination.

• Kingdom Arena (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia): Quickly becoming a hub for heavyweight clashes thanks to blockbuster cards during the Riyadh Season.

These venues prove that boxing thrives in diverse locations and cultures across the globe.

The Legacy of International Boxing Venues

What makes these international boxing venues so special is not just their size, but the atmosphere they create. Wembley’s roar, Cardiff’s roof-shaking intensity, and Tokyo Dome’s global spotlight remind fans that boxing is truly a sport without borders.

Promoters, fighters, and fans alike understand the value of these venues. They add prestige to championship fights, help fighters connect with their home audiences, and create memories that live forever in boxing history.

Conclusion: Boxing Is Bigger Than Borders

The biggest boxing venues outside the US demonstrate how the sport’s heartbeat stretches far beyond Las Vegas and Madison Square Garden. From the historic battles in Dublin’s Croke Park to the modern spectacles in London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, these arenas prove that boxing belongs to the world.

With each passing year, more fans, fighters, and promoters recognize the global stage as essential to the sport’s growth. Whether it’s under the closed roof of the Principality Stadium, in the vast Tokyo Dome, or in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, one thing is certain—boxing is a global spectacle, and these venues will continue to shape its legacy.