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Tyson Fury has made it clear he wants UFC president Dana White involved in his long-awaited fight with Anthony Joshua. Fury believes White’s experience in promoting major combat sports events could make the heavyweight fight even bigger.
Fury explained his position during an appearance on the Mr. Verzace Podcast. The former undisputed heavyweight champion said White has built a global sports business through the UFC and knows how to handle major events. Fury also dismissed the ongoing disagreement over White’s involvement, saying he cares more about making the fight as big as possible than who gets credit for promoting it.
The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is scheduled for December 11 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Netflix will stream the fight worldwide.
Fury said he specifically wanted Dana White involved because of his experience in combat sports promotion.
“I wanted Dana to be involved. Dana’s obviously probably one of the biggest promoters on earth. Look what he did with the UFC. Look what he’s done, the deals he’s done in the US with big-time sports. So obviously the man knows what he’s doing, and it only builds this fight bigger.”
The comments come after months of discussions about who should handle the promotional side of the Anthony Joshua fight.
Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh and The Ring have played key roles in financing and organizing the event. White and his Zuffa Boxing operation have also been linked to production and promotional duties.
Joshua’s longtime promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, has objected to White’s involvement because of contractual restrictions.
Fury addressed the disagreement directly, saying he believes the dispute comes down to ego.
“They don’t want him involved because it’s like an ego thing. It’s like, ‘Oh no, my dick’s bigger than yours.’ It’s just like that. But for me, I don’t care who promotes it. Anyone; the more people promote it, the better for me, because it makes a bigger fight. And I believe this is the biggest fight that we’re gonna see in a long time.”
Fury has previously said his contract contained a clause preventing TKO and White from taking part in the event. He said he had the clause removed to allow White to participate.
White has described his team as responsible for producing the Cardiff event. He also said the fight is confirmed, while describing some opposition to his involvement as an ego issue.
The promotional dispute briefly created uncertainty around the Anthony Joshua fight after its initial announcement. At one stage, Fury accused Joshua’s side of trying to pull out.
