Hearn Hits Back: Joshua-Fury Fight Must Stay…

Hearn Hits Back: Joshua-Fury Fight Must Stay in UK, White Barred from Promoting

The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is at the center of a fresh promotional battle, with Eddie Hearn dismissing Dana White’s claims of involvement and insisting the fight is contractually bound to take place in the United Kingdom.

On Thursday, Matchroom Sport chairman Hearn called UFC CEO White “absolutely clueless” after White suggested he would promote the bout and floated a U.S. venue. Speaking to reporters in Arizona on Friday, Hearn clarified that the contracts signed by both fighters explicitly bar White and his Zuffa Boxing venture from any promotional role.

“Specifically in the contract it says Dana White, Zuffa cannot have any promotional involvement in the show,” Hearn said, as reported by BoxingNews. “Dana doesn’t know about the contract for the show that we signed and negotiated.”

Contract Discrepancy Over Venue

The heated exchange stems from a critical detail in the fight contracts. According to Hearn, Joshua’s deal with Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh contains a clause stating the bout “must take place in the UK.” Fury’s contract carries no such restriction, opening the door for potential renegotiation—but only with Joshua’s approval.

“The fight was signed with the understanding it would happen in Britain,” Hearn said. Moving the fight abroad is “not necessarily a problem” if all parties agree, he added, but any change would require a fresh round of talks.

Despite White’s public claims, Hearn confirmed that both fighters have signed agreements naming him and Frank Warren as the official promoters. Alalshikh, who owns 60 percent of Zuffa Boxing, retains final say on the purse but cannot unilaterally assign promotional rights to White.

BoxingScene reported that Alalshikh has privately discussed SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as potential backup sites. However, Hearn’s comments reinforce that the default location remains the UK, with Wembley Stadium the frontrunner for a November date.

The Stakes: A Defining Moment for British Boxing

This fight represents a pivotal moment for both fighters and the heavyweight division. Neither Joshua (33-4-0) nor Fury (38-2-1) currently hold a world title, but the all-British clash is one of the most anticipated bouts in recent history. Streaming service Netflix has secured broadcast rights, signaling the event’s massive commercial appeal.

Both men are preparing for warm-up bouts. Joshua is set to face Albanian Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Fury is scheduled for a tune-up on August 1 in Dublin, though no opponent has been confirmed yet.

Prenga Seizes on Personal Tragedy

Joshua’s preparation has been overshadowed by a personal loss. Speaking to Ring Magazine, Prenga acknowledged the tragedy but said it could work in his favor.

“I feel sorry for him and for his team but it’s definitely going to affect him. I think it’s an advantage for me,” Prenga said. The Albanian has not shied away from exploiting any mental distraction, though Joshua has pressed ahead with training.

While Prenga’s comments may be dismissed as pre-fight mind games, they underscore the emotional weight Joshua carries into the ring. The Briton has faced adversity before, including knockout losses to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Daniel Dubois, but has shown resilience throughout his career.

Broader Implications: Promotional Turf Wars and Saudi Influence

The Joshua-Fury saga reflects shifting power dynamics in boxing. Alalshikh has emerged as a key financier, backing major events through Ring Magazine and his stake in Zuffa Boxing. However, Hearn’s comments reveal cracks in that alliance, with White seemingly frozen out of the biggest fight in the division.

Dana White’s ambitions to expand into boxing through Zuffa have faced resistance. Earlier this year, Golden Boy Promotions accused Zuffa of interfering with Ryan Garcia’s career, adding to the tension. The Joshua-Fury contract appears to be another setback for White’s expansion plans.

The Fight’s Future: UK or Abroad?

For now, the fight remains contracted for the UK, but money talks. SoFi Stadium and Allegiant Stadium offer significantly larger capacities and lucrative revenue streams. If Alalshikh pushes for a U.S. venue, Joshua’s team may face pressure to renegotiate.

Hearn acknowledged that logistical concerns—such as securing a UK stadium in November—could complicate matters. However, he stressed that Joshua’s contract provides a strong negotiating position.

“Moving the fight abroad is not necessarily a problem if all parties agree,” Hearn said. “But it would need Joshua’s approval.”

Fans hoping for a UK blockbuster may get their wish, but the promotional infighting suggests the road to fight night is far from smooth.