Tyson Fury has alleged that Anthony Joshua is withdrawing from their scheduled December 11 heavyweight bout in Cardiff. The dispute reportedly stems from a clash between promoters Eddie Hearn and Dana White over the event's management.
The £150 Million Stakes at Principality Stadium
The financial magnitude of this encounter is staggering, with the total purse reportedly worth £150 million. according to the report,both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua were expected to pocket approximately £75 million each, making it one of the most lucrative fights ever staged on British soil.
To maximize global reach, the event was designed for a US-based audience, with Netflix serving as the broadcaster. This led to a planned ring walk around 2am local time. the venue was eventually settled on the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, after the Welsh government agreed to adjust late-night curfew restrictions and the stadium's roof provided a viable alternative to Wembley Stadium.
Eddie Hearn's Clash with Dana White and Zuffa Boxing
The current instability is not rooted in the athletes' preparation, but in a corporate war between promoters. Dana White, who operates Zuffa Boxing in partnership with Saudi Arabia's Turki Al-Sheikh, originally pushed for the fight to occur in New York City. However, Eddie Hearn, who promotes Anthony Joshua, successfully neggotiated the move to Wales.
As reported, the friction escalated when Eddie Hearn claimed that the contract signed by Anthony Joshua explicitly forbids Dana White from being involved in the contest. Tyson Fury has publicly criticized this stance, suggesting in an Instagram video that Hearn's ego is the primary driver beihnd the potential cancellation of the fight.
How Turki Al-Sheikh's Saudi Backing Shifted the Venue
This conflict is a symptom of the broader trend of Saudi-backed "mega-fights," where Turki Al-Sheikh wields immense influence over the boxing landscape. the ability to move a fight from New York to Cardiff demonstrates the leverage these backers hold,but it also creates a volatile environment where multiple powerful personalities—such as Dana White and Eddie Hearn—clash over control.
The tension is further highlighted by the public nature of the dispute. While Eddie Hearn has labeled Dana White a "loser," Turki Al-Sheikh has signaled his continued support for the UFC president by posting a photo of White on Instagram, suggesting a divide in the promotional camp that could leave the athletes as collateral damage.
Will David Benavidez Step into the Cardiff Ring?
Significant questions remain regarding the actual status of the bout, as the source only provides Tyson Fury's perspective on the withdrawal. It is currently unverified if Anthony Joshua has officially pulled out or if this is promotional theater. Furthermore, it is unclear if the scheduled September 30 press conference in London will proceed given Hearn's demand that Dana White be excluded from the event.
Adding to the uncertainty, Tyson Fury has already hinted at a replacement. The 38-year-old posted a mocked-up fight poster featuring himself and light heavyweight champion David Benavidez, suggesting that Turki Al-Sheikh may be looking for a new opponent to fill the Cardiff slot if the deal with Anthony Joshua collapses.
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