Joshua backs Hearn against White as Fury mocks Cardiff venue claims
Anthony Joshua has pledged full support to promoter Eddie Hearn in his ongoing dispute with UFC CEO Dana White, stating he would withdraw from the December 11 bout if Hearn chose to cancel it. Despite the tension, the heavyweight fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury remains scheduled for the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. At a recent press conference, Fury dismissed Joshua’s claim to the venue, while Joshua emphasized the importance of the fight taking place in the UK for British boxing legacy.
Key points
- Joshua stated his loyalty lies with Hearn, saying he would 'pull the plug' on the fight if his promoter decided to cancel it due to the White dispute.
- The bout is confirmed for December 11 in Cardiff, a location Joshua fought for to honor British boxing, despite earlier negotiations involving US venues.
- Fury rejected Joshua’s assertion that he owns the Cardiff venue, joking that he would not pay rent, marking a shift from previous online hostility.
- Joshua noted that while the Hearn-White feud is significant, previous hurdles like VADA enrollment and venue location did not stop the fight from happening.
- Peter Fury has offered post-fight training advice to Joshua, though Joshua’s current camp is led by Ben Davison.
Background
This dispute follows months of stalled negotiations for a unification bout between the two British heavyweights. Previous archive coverage confirms that Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh helped secure the December 11 date, and that Hearn declared victory over White after the UFC boss failed to attend the official launch event in London.
How outlets are covering it
MMA Fighting highlights Joshua’s public backing of Hearn and the crowd’s booing of White’s name at the press conference. Boxing News 24 focuses on the technical concerns regarding Joshua’s ability to handle punches, noting that Peter Fury’s offer of help is for after the fight, not during preparation. Boxingnews.com emphasizes the interpersonal dynamic, noting that Fury and Joshua displayed mutual respect at the media event, a stark contrast to their previous online feuds.
Why it matters
The resolution of the Hearn-White dispute is critical for the stability of the heavyweight division’s most anticipated matchup. Joshua’s willingness to cancel the fight if necessary underscores the fragility of the promotional agreements, while the confirmation of the UK venue signals a victory for British boxing interests over US-based promotional control.
What to watch
The fight is scheduled for December 11 in Cardiff. Joshua’s camp will continue preparation under Ben Davison, while the Hearn-White legal and promotional dispute may continue to generate media attention, though the bout itself is currently proceeding as planned.
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