LONDON — Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn has rejected Dana White’s claim of a leading promotional role in the proposed Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua heavyweight fight, saying the UFC and Zuffa Boxing chief “can’t be and won’t be” the event’s promoter.
Hearn made the comments in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT published on August 23, 2026, as uncertainty continues over the venue and promotional arrangements for the highly anticipated all-British heavyweight clash.
“You’ve got to remember, Dana White told the world he’s the promoter of the event. He’s not, he can’t be, and he won’t be,” Hearn said. “Now, if he comes in as a representative or an advisor for Tyson Fury, I guess they could sneak him in on that team. A bit embarrassing because he told everyone he’s the promoter. The promoter of the event is Turki Alalshikh.”
Hearn’s comments mark another escalation in his long-running public dispute with White over the proposed Fury-Joshua fight.
According to Hearn, the agreement involving Saudi Arabian boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh and Sela requires the fight to be staged in the United Kingdom. He said any proposal to move the bout to the United States would require agreement from Joshua’s camp and changes to the existing terms.
“The fight’s not falling through. We’re not walking away from a fight. All we’re asking for is that you honour the contract that you signed. You honour everything that we agreed to,” Hearn said.
The dispute over the venue has become a major issue surrounding the proposed November fight, with reports linking the United States to a possible staging of the bout and Netflix expected to be involved in its broadcast.
Hearn, however, said there was “absolutely no agreement” to change the original terms of the deal.
The proposed fight between Fury and Joshua has been one of boxing’s most anticipated matchups, with both former world heavyweight champions having built lengthy careers at the top of the division.
Fury has expressed frustration over the negotiations and suggested that financial demands could threaten the fight. Hearn, however, maintains that both fighters remain contractually committed to the proposed contest.
The disagreement has also exposed a wider rivalry between Hearn and White, whose involvement in boxing has expanded through Zuffa Boxing, part of the TKO Group.
Hearn has previously criticised White’s public claims about the Fury-Joshua event, while White has dismissed Hearn’s comments and criticised the Matchroom chairman in return.
Despite the promotional dispute, Hearn said the fight itself remains alive and that his position is focused on enforcing the existing agreement.
As of August 24, 2026, no final date, venue or complete promotional structure for Fury-Joshua has been officially confirmed in the material provided.
