Combat sports executive Dana White has reaffirmed his promotional involvement in the finalized heavyweight mega-fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, dismissing public objections raised by promoter Eddie Hearn. The long-awaited all-British clash is scheduled for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with the main event expected in the early hours of December 12 to accommodate a global audience.
Venue Selection and Financial Backing
Speculation regarding a potential United States venue ended when Wales’ Principality Stadium was selected to host the bout. According to White, the choice of the Cardiff stadium—which features a retractable roof—was driven by financial logistics and timing considerations managed alongside Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh. White explained to Sky Sports News that working with Alalshikh meant going “where the money is and try to create as much revenue as you can” to ensure the fighters and stakeholders are paid.
“So we ended up doing it in a stadium where we didn’t have to worry about timing as much,” White stated. “You can close the roof and the fight with two British heavyweight champions stays in the UK.”
Promotional Dispute With Eddie Hearn
The official announcement stated that Alalshikh’s publication The Ring and White would stage the bout. However, Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, publicly disputed White’s involvement in the promotion. White dismissed Hearn’s remarks during his interview with Sky Sports News, pointing to the official press release as validation.
“Well, I think that the press release speaks for itself,” White said. “I’ve been saying since the beginning of the talks of this fight that I was going to be involved in the promotion of it. I mean Eddie Hearn must spend 24 hours a day doing interviews. I’ve never seen a guy do more interviews in my life, but it’s all good.”
Addressing Hearn’s claim that the UK location is a victory for Joshua’s side, White maintained that his position remains neutral regarding the fighters themselves. “What did I lose? What have I lost? I promise you I’ve lost nothing,” White said. “I am not involved in either side of this thing. I’m involved on the Turki side.”
Fight Context and Broadcast Plans
The December 11 bout brings together two heavyweight rivals who have managed a decade-long professional tension before finally reaching an agreement. Tyson Fury has publicly stated he intends to use the matchup against Joshua as a precursor to a future meeting with Oleksandr Usyk.
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