Eddie Hearn Appears to Accept Dana White’s Presence at Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua Fight

Eddie Hearn appears to have softened his stance on Dana White’s involvement in Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua, admitting that he expects the UFC boss to attend the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown and expressing hope that the two could finally go head-to-head in a public debate.

The development comes after months of tension between Hearn and White over the promotional arrangements for the all-British blockbuster. Hearn, who promotes Joshua through Matchroom Boxing, has repeatedly insisted that White cannot be involved in the event, arguing that the contractual arrangements prevent the UFC chief and his Zuffa Boxing operation from taking a promotional role.

However, Hearn’s latest comments suggest that he expects White to be present when Fury and Joshua finally meet in the ring. Speaking to IFL TV, Hearn said he was confident White would attend and revealed that he wanted him to appear at the press conference.

“I think he’ll be there. I’m certain he’ll be there. I hope he’s at the press conference,” Hearn said.

“I got a lot to say with him on an open forum, I think it’ll be a great back and forward debate.”

The comments are particularly interesting given Hearn’s previous efforts to distance White from the fight. The Matchroom promoter has consistently challenged claims that White would serve as a promoter of the event, even after the official announcement named him alongside Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh in the promotional arrangements.

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Hearn Previously Insisted White Would Not Be Involved

Hearn’s latest remarks mark a notable development in a dispute that has threatened to overshadow the build-up to one of boxing’s biggest heavyweight matchups.

Before the fight was officially announced, Hearn repeatedly rejected the suggestion that White would have a promotional role. He argued that Joshua’s contractual arrangements prevented White and his team from becoming involved without his approval.

Following the announcement, which identified White and Alalshikh as collaborators in promoting the event, Hearn continued to challenge that position. He also criticised White for publicly claiming that he would promote the fight and oversee its broadcast production.

Hearn subsequently maintained that the existing agreements did not permit White to take on those responsibilities. He also said the production company Whisper had a contract to handle the Netflix broadcast, directly disputing White’s claims that the UFC team would produce the show.

The disagreement has also involved the fight’s location. While there was interest in staging the contest at Madison Square Garden in New York, Hearn and Joshua pushed for the fight to take place in the United Kingdom. The bout was ultimately announced for Cardiff, Wales, on December 11, 2026.

Could Hearn and White Finally Settle Their Differences?

Despite the public disagreements, Hearn’s latest comments suggest he is willing to confront White directly rather than continue the dispute through interviews.

His suggestion of an open debate could provide another talking point during the build-up to Fury vs Joshua, particularly given the pair’s contrasting approaches to boxing promotion.

White has continued to insist that he will be involved in the event, while Hearn has maintained that any involvement must comply with the contractual arrangements.

For Hearn, however, the priority appears to be protecting Joshua’s interests and ensuring the fight takes place on the agreed terms. His willingness to discuss White’s presence does not necessarily mean he has abandoned his objections to the UFC boss’s proposed role.

Whether the two can reach an agreement remains to be seen. With Fury and Joshua preparing for their long-awaited showdown, their promoters’ rivalry has become an additional storyline surrounding the event.

One thing is clear: Hearn, who previously insisted White would not be involved, now appears prepared to share a public platform with him. Whether that leads to a genuine resolution or another heated exchange remains to be seen.