Zuffa Boxing co-founder Dana White has dismissed concerns regarding Tyson Fury carrying an injury ahead of his scheduled heavyweight bout, even as reports indicate the high-profile December 11 clash with Anthony Joshua faces potential jeopardy over promotional disputes.
Speculation surrounding Fury’s physical condition surfaced during the fight build-up, but Dana White intervened to state there is nothing to worry about regarding the heavyweight contender, Sky Sports reported. However, the fight’s future remains complicated away from the training camp.
The long-awaited matchup between former British heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua might not happen despite being formally announced on Thursday. Sources told Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger that issues stemming from Dana White’s involvement are threatening to derail the event entirely.
Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua could be called off due to issues, according to sources, and a replacement fight between Terence Crawford and Ryan Garcia is being considered.
Turki Alalshikh reportedly wants the UFC CEO promoting the fight through Zuffa Boxing. Conversely, Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, object to White’s involvement and hold a contract stipulating that Zuffa Boxing cannot participate in the match.
“This is all because Eddie doesn’t want someone in the building. Isn’t that a bit pathetic and childish?” Fury said in a social media video. Fury added: “Joshua, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. You want this and you want that. I’ve agreed to five different locations. … I had a contract – if I would’ve stuck to that contract, there would’ve been no fight, would there?”
The “issue” that is jeopardizing Fury-Joshua is Dana White’s involvement, multiple sources told @SInow. @Turki_alalshikh, who is bankrolling the fight, wants him as a promoter. AJ and Eddie Hearn don’t, and have a contract that says Zuffa can’t be. Fight very much in peril.
Disagreements Threaten December Event at Cardiff Stadium
- The December 11 event at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, is currently in flux while promotional disagreements are resolved.
- Broadcasters and ticket holders face uncertainty as alternate bouts, including potential matchups against David Benavidez or a Terence Crawford-Ryan Garcia match, are being considered as replacements.
The fight is scheduled to be broadcast on Netflix, with Alalshikh’s Ring Magazine and Zuffa Boxing initially announced as the primary promoters. Alternative contingencies are already being weighed if the main event collapses. Coppinger reported that a Terence Crawford-Ryan Garcia match is under consideration as a replacement, alongside a potential pairing between Fury and David Benavidez. Crawford retired last December following a perfect 42-0 career record after defeating Canelo Álvarez in September 2025.
| Athlete | Professional Record | Last Bout |
|---|---|---|
| Tyson Fury | 36-2-1, 25 KOs | July tuneup |
| Anthony Joshua | 30-4, 27 KOs | July tuneup |
Joshua holds a record of 30-4 with 27 knockouts, while Fury stands at 36-2-1 with 25 knockouts. Both competitors last stepped into the ring in July for tuneup bouts as they positioned themselves for this marquee showdown. The two boxing stars have spent several years attempting to finalize a meeting through public negotiations and verbal barbs before reaching this current promotional standoff.
The bout is slated for December 11 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Further updates on the promotional dispute and fight status will depend on ongoing discussions between the camps and stakeholders involved.
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‼️ Tyson Fury reacts to the reports that his fight with Anthony Joshua could be in jeopardy. pic.twitter.com/CkJNBwILHY
