It has finally been confirmed that Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will clash in Cardiff on December 11, ending months of back-and-forth negotiations since the fight was first announced.
Having both won what were widely regarded as warm-up bouts – Fury outpointing Arslanbek Makhmudov and Joshua stopping Kristian Prenga – the blockbuster looked locked in.
However, a push to stage the contest in the United States, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Sela and broadcaster Netflix, held up official confirmation. Eddie Hearn, who has guided Joshua’s career since his 2013 professional debut, stood firm and insisted the original contract stating the bout must take place on UK soil be honoured.
Hearn and Joshua won that particular battle, but it appears that another point Hearn was standing firm on remains unresolved. The Matchroom boss had insisted that rival Dana White could not promote the fight, as per the contract, but today’s official announcement from Netflix says otherwise.
“The Ring and Dana White will collaborate to promote the monumental event.”
In response, Hearn has told The Independent that his original position remains unchanged.
“We expect the contracts to be honoured and unless we decide otherwise, Dana White cannot be involved in the fight.”
Despite Hearn’s objection, White released a statement celebrating the match-up getting over the line.
“For more than a decade, boxing fans have been clamouring for the heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Together, they bring 66 wins, 52 knockouts and multiple heavyweight world titles into the ring.
“On December 11, two of the biggest heavyweights of this generation finally collide– and the winner will take a significant place in heavyweight history.”
It is the latest frustrating twist in a heavyweight rivalry that has been brewing for a decade, and fans will hope that any behind-the-scenes details can be ironed out.
The two former heavyweight champions are scheduled to meet face to face on September 30 in London for a launch press conference.
