Hearn-White feud puts Fury-Joshua blockbuster under threat

The long-awaited Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight is facing fresh uncertainty after a dispute between promoters Eddie Hearn and Dana White threatened to derail the December 11 showdown in Cardiff.

Fury and Joshua had finally agreed terms for their long-awaited domestic clash, but the situation changed after White was named among those set to help promote the event alongside Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.

The development has reportedly frustrated Hearn because Joshua’s existing agreement for the fight prevents his involvement, creating a major disagreement over who should have a role in staging the bout.

White and Hearn clash over promotion

White, whose Zuffa Boxing has Alalshikh’s backing, has defended his involvement and accused Hearn of damaging the fight.

“He hasn’t done the fight any favours. I don’t know anybody who is more full of s*** than Eddie Hearn,” White told SunSport reporter Jack Figg.

The dispute marks a dramatic change in the relationship between the two promoters. Hearn previously praised White for helping transform the UFC into a global sports powerhouse and once described its business model as something boxing could learn from.

Their relationship deteriorated after Zuffa Boxing entered the sport and subsequently signed Conor Benn, who had spent his entire professional career with Hearn’s Matchroom.

Fury-Joshua future remains uncertain

The rivalry intensified further after Hearn signed former UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to a commercial and advisory deal, prompting White to question what the arrangement had achieved.

White later said he was willing to fight Hearn himself, while Hearn responded by accusing the American of backing out after accepting the challenge.

The latest dispute centres on White’s involvement in Fury-Joshua, with Hearn openly opposing his role.

“When I saw the press release, I just couldn’t stop p***ing myself,” Hearn said, before accusing White of trying to take credit for the fight.

White, however, has refused to step away.

“I’m involved in the f***ing fight,” he said when asked whether he would withdraw if his presence threatened the bout.

Fury has since claimed Hearn’s “ego” is behind the dispute and suggested there is now only a “ONE PER CENT” chance of the fight going ahead.

With Alalshikh reportedly still backing White’s involvement, the planned December blockbuster remains surrounded by uncertainty.