Eddie Hearn and Dana White are in a public dispute over who holds promotional and production rights for the Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight on December 11 in Cardiff. While White claims the UFC is producing the show, Hearn asserts that contract clauses explicitly prohibit White or TKO Group Holdings from any such involvement.
Hearn and White clash over production rights in Cardiff
The conflict centers on whether Dana White and his organization have a formal role in the heavyweight clash at Principality Stadium. Eddie Hearn, promoter for Anthony Joshua, told talkSPORT that a specific clause in Joshua’s contract prevents White or TKO Group Holdings—the parent company of the UFC and WWE—from promoting the event in any capacity.
Hearn stated that White’s claims of producing the event are “completely untrue.” According to Hearn, he contacted Sela, the Saudi entertainment company listed as the event’s promoters, who confirmed in writing that White is not producing the show. Hearn further claimed that White’s assertion that his team is handling TV production is also prohibited under the existing contract.
Dana White maintains UFC is producing the event
Despite Hearn’s denials, Dana White has repeatedly told reporters that he is the promoter and that the UFC is producing the show. Following UFC 332 in Salt Lake City, White insisted, “I’ll be there, I’m producing it, I’m promoting it.” He compared the arrangement to the production of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford event, stating his entire team would be involved in the broadcast.
The tension between the two promoters has already impacted event logistics. White missed the launch press conference for the fight, citing long travel distances as the reason for his absence. Hearn mentioned a potential meeting with White in Los Angeles next week to resolve the matter, but White told reporters he has heard nothing about such a meeting and questioned the need for one.
Joshua threatens to withdraw over promoter status
The dispute has reached the athletes. Anthony Joshua told talkSPORT he is willing to step away from the fight against Fury if Dana White is installed as an official promoter. This stance follows confirmation from British Boxing chief Robert Smith that Zuffa Boxing is not registered as a promoter.
While the promotional war continues, the fighters themselves appeared cordial during their recent face-to-face meeting in London. Separately, Flipboard reports that Tyson Fury intends to invite former U.S. President Donald Trump to lead his ring walk for the December 11 bout.
Joshua vs. Fury event details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | December 11 |
| Location | Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Listed Promoters | Sela |
Common questions about the Joshua-Fury dispute
Will the fight be cancelled due to the promoter argument?
There is no official cancellation, but Anthony Joshua has stated to talkSPORT that he would consider stepping away if Dana White is officially named as a promoter.
Who is actually producing the broadcast for Netflix?
The claim is disputed. Dana White asserts his team is producing the show, while Eddie Hearn cites written confirmation from Sela that White’s involvement is “completely untrue” and contractually prohibited.
Is Zuffa Boxing a licensed promoter for this event?
No. British Boxing chief Robert Smith has confirmed that Zuffa Boxing is not registered as a promoter.
It remains unclear if Hearn and White will meet in Los Angeles to settle the contractual dispute or if the conflict will persist until fight week.
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