Eddie Hearn Rips Into Dana White For ‘One of The Greatest PR Disasters in Boxing’

Imagine this: two of the biggest names in British boxing are gearing up to lock horns in what will undoubtedly be one of the biggest (and highly anticipated) showdowns in recent years. It is only natural for fans to hope for some juicy drama to add to the hype. However, in the case of Tyson Fury (36-2-1, 25 KOs) vs Anthony Joshua (30-4, 27 KOs), the drama seems to have shifted to two other people, Eddie Hearn and Dana White.

Talking to the Stomping Ground, Hearn had quite a mouthful to say about Turki and the ever-progressing fiasco.

“It’s a load of bollocks. The thing is 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,” 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. I don’t even have to go in on them.”

The December 11 fight in Cardiff was officially announced with White/Zuffa and Turki Alalshikh’s The Ring presented as involved in staging the event, but Hearn has repeatedly insisted that Joshua’s contract prevents White, Zuffa Boxing and TKO from promoting the fight. White, meanwhile, has maintained that he is involved and accused Hearn of trying to interfere with the event.

Today was essentially Hearn’s “I told you so” moment. White did not attend the London Fury–Joshua launch press conference, officially saying he had commitments with the UFC’s Contender Series in Las Vegas. Hearn, however, wasn’t buying that explanation, arguing that White had repeatedly told the public things that ultimately didn’t materialize, particularly that the fight would be in America and that he had effectively secured the venue. Instead, the fight is happening in Cardiff, Wales, and White wasn’t on stage for the official launch.

“What I would tell you, and I don’t want to be condescending like some people are and tell you how to do things, but all you had to do was say, ‘we understand there is a contract in place that prevents us from being involved; we’re going to get together with Eddie Hearn and Turki Alalshikh and we’re going to discuss it.’ If you can tell me a reason that I should allow these people into the fight and it benefits Anthony Joshua and Matchroom, let’s chat,” he said.

“Total Ego Thing”

White, on the other hand, brushed off Hearn’s comments, saying his involvement was a “done deal”. In fact, in his words, it’s not Hearn but his ego that is doing the talking.

I’ve been saying it now it feels like for f*cking years, but it’s probably been weeks, but I’ve been saying the same thing. It’s happening; it’s done. It’s a done deal,” he said. “This isn’t a hesitation; this is an ego thing. Total ego thing. It has nothing to do with any of this sh*t.”

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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