Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are scheduled to clash in a December blockbuster, but the matchup has ignited immediate controversy over UFC CEO Dana White’s involvement and conflicting statements from promoters.
Max Kellerman Reveals Dana White’s Role in Saudi-Backed Card
During the Zuffa Boxing card in England, veteran play-by-play announcer Max Kellerman addressed persistent rumors about White’s administrative duties for the event. Kellerman stated during the broadcast that White is participating on a personal level to support Turki Alalshikh, who is funding the card through Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and has financed major boxing events in recent years.
“Dana White’s involvement in the fight, so people know, is purely in assisting Turki Alalshikh, who has been the engine behind just about every big fight in boxing over the last handful of years,” Kellerman said. “He’s assisting Turki in a personal capacity, not as a promoter.”
Eddie Hearn and Dana White Clash Over Promotion Claims
The broadcast comments added fuel to an ongoing feud between White and Joshua’s longtime promoter, Eddie Hearn. Following the fight announcement, Hearn celebrated the event taking place in England rather than the United States and insisted that White held no promotional stake in the card, despite Netflix listing White as one of the promoters when announcing its broadcast plans.
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When questioned about Kellerman’s remarks during the Zuffa 11 post-fight press conference, White expressed clear frustration. “I don’t know where that came from,” White told reporters. “That was weird. We’re promoting the fight right now. I’ve said 150,000 times I don’t know if I’ve ever known anybody who’s more full of f*cking shit than Eddie Hearn.”
Did you know? Tyson Fury revealed in an interview with Furocity that he specifically removed a contract clause barring TKO and Dana White from involvement to ensure the UFC chief could take part in organizing the event.
Uncertainty Ahead of Upcoming Press Conference
Although a formal press conference for Fury versus Joshua is tentatively set for Wednesday, White remained noncommittal about his attendance. When asked if he would appear at the media event, White played coy and told reporters, “I guess I’ll leave that as a surprise.”
Meanwhile, alternative matchups including Fury against David Benavidez or Terence Crawford versus Ryan Garcia have reportedly been discussed by organizers should the December bout encounter further hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is funding the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight?
The event is funded through Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, spearheaded by Turki Alalshikh.
What did Max Kellerman say about Dana White?
Kellerman stated on a Zuffa Boxing broadcast that White is assisting Turki Alalshikh in a personal capacity rather than acting as an official promoter for the fight.
Where is the December fight supposed to take place?
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that the event is slated to take place in England.
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