Dana White brushes off Eddie Hearn claims on Fury-Joshua role

Dana White has firmly rejected suggestions that he will not be involved in promoting the long-awaited heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The UFC executive’s comments came after promoter Eddie Hearn publicly disputed White’s participation in staging the event.

The highly anticipated bout was officially confirmed at The Principality Stadium in Cardiff on December 11. According to the announcement, the fight is being co-promoted by Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh’s The Ring promotion and White.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, White expressed satisfaction that the decade-long rivalry between the two British heavyweights is finally coming to fruition. “I think it’s a fight that people have been waiting for, for over 10 years. So to finally have it done, I’m sure boxing fans are excited,” White said.

However, Hearn, who represents Joshua, has insisted that the American combat sports figure should not have a role in the production. White dismissed these assertions, pointing to the official press release as definitive proof of his involvement.

“Well, I think that the press release speaks for itself,” White responded. “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.”

The UFC president also commented on Hearn’s frequent media appearances, joking that he has “never seen a guy do more interviews in my life.” White argued that the publicity generated by the ongoing debate has only served to increase awareness of the event.

He further emphasized the significance of corporate backing over individual promoter preferences, specifically highlighting Netflix’s role. “You think Netflix care what Eddie Hearn thinks? I guarantee they do not,” White stated. “I’m sitting here promoting the fight right now. Who’s going to stop me?”