Dana White has rejected Eddie Hearn’s claim that his handling of Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury has been a “PR disaster,” insisting he is promoting and producing the December 11 event in Cardiff despite missing its London launch press conference. The UFC CEO says UFC will handle production of the show, while Hearn maintains White cannot be involved without Matchroom’s approval.
Dana White Fires Back At Eddie Hearn Over Fury-Joshua “PR Disaster” Claim
Dana White says his absence from the Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury press conference did not change his involvement in the event, responding after Eddie Hearn branded the situation “one of the greatest PR disasters in boxing.” The long-awaited heavyweight fight, set for December 11 in Cardiff, was formally launched in London on Wednesday. Joshua promoter Hearn and Fury promoter Frank Warren appeared alongside the fighters, but White was not there. His name and Zuffa Boxing were also absent when the listed promotional partners were announced. The British Boxing Board of Control has listed Queensberry, Matchroom and Sela among the event’s promoters.
White was speaking while promoting UFC 332 when asked why he missed the London event. He pointed to a tight schedule after Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Series, plus travel from the United States. “I had the Contender Series yesterday, I had to be here today,” White said. “I fly a lot, but that’s a little bit of a rough trip.” White then challenged Hearn’s “PR disaster” line by setting out what he says is UFC’s role behind the scenes.
“Not only am I promoting the fight, we’re producing the fight too,” White said. “UFC is gonna produce the show. I don’t know how that’s a PR disaster. I’m right.”
Dispute Over Dana White’s Role
The argument has run since the fight was confirmed last week. White has repeatedly described himself as part of the promotion, while Hearn has said Joshua’s contract prevents White or Zuffa from taking a formal role unless Matchroom agrees.
Hearn said after the press conference: “It’s a load of bollocks.” He added, “Turki is partners with Dana and Nick Khan. He wants them involved in the event, contractually they can’t be unless I allow them to be involved.” Hearn said White’s camp had mishandled the issue publicly. “These guys, Dana, etc just played it all wrong,” he said. “I’m not even going to sit here and slag it off because what’s happened to them over the last seven days has been one of the greatest PR disasters in boxing.”
Before the launch, Hearn had been even more direct: “Dana White cannot be involved with this fight promotion. Netflix clearly didn’t get the memo. No one talks to each other.” He said his discussions with Sela and Turki Alalshikh had made the position clear: “Dana White is not involved in the fight. You’ve got a contract that says that.”
White: “Was I Lying?”
White did not soften his response when asked about Hearn’s stance. He said the point was simple: he is working on the event and UFC will produce it. “Was I lying? Was I wrong? Am I not the promoter?” White said. “Am I not producing the entire f-g event? The answer is yes.” He then accused Hearn of trying to turn the disagreement into a public contest.
“I think the difference between me and Eddie is Eddie’s trying to win some kind of PR battle,” White said. “Eddie likes to see himself on interviews. He likes to talk a lot. Talking a lot will get you in a lot of f-g trouble.” For now, Fury vs. Joshua remains on schedule. Though the public picture remains untidy, as Hearn says White has no authorised promotional role, while White says his work extends from promotion to production. The fight itself is settled but the credits are still being argued over.
