Dana White questions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury heavyweight clash
UFC president Dana White has expressed serious doubts over whether the long-awaited heavyweight boxing bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will actually take place, despite both fighters having signed contracts earlier this year.
The highly anticipated all-British mega-fight remains without a confirmed date or venue amid ongoing disagreements behind the scenes.
Streaming giant Netflix is reportedly pushing to stage the spectacle in New York on 20 November, while the former Olympian and his promoter Eddie Hearn are demanding a UK location.
White, who claims to have been instrumental in initial negotiations, has grown frustrated with the constant delays surrounding the generational showdown.
Frustrations mount over contract disputes
The 55-year-old mixed martial arts boss bluntly questioned the true intentions of both heavyweight superstars.
‘They either want to fight or they don’t. I don’t know. To make a fight, two guys have to want to fight. Period.’
Dana White
The outspoken promoter emphasised that both men must be fully committed for a bout of this magnitude to materialise, especially with substantial financial rewards on the table.
‘Do you want to fight or do you not want to fight? The fight should have happened 10 years ago, is it going to happen now? We’ll see.’
Dana White
Warren warns mega-fight could still collapse
While the WBC heavyweight champion remains silent on his preferred location, his long-time promoter Frank Warren has admitted the highly lucrative deal hangs in the balance.
Warren revealed that the undefeated fighter had originally signed an agreement in January for a September clash.
However, those initial plans were derailed following a tragic accident that resulted in the death of two of Joshua’s close friends.
Speaking to Box Nation, Warren warned that a failure to find common ground on the venue will ultimately terminate the long-overdue rivalry.
‘They’re either going to agree to it or not. If they don’t agree to it then the fight won’t happen.’
Frank Warren
Despite the ongoing friction, Warren maintains that the blockbuster event is still tentatively targeted for November, with a venue to be announced in due course.