Hearn Rejects White Involvement In Fury-Joshua Talks

Eddie Hearn has ruled out Dana White's involvement in Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua negotiations.

The Matchroom promoter told reporters after the Katie Taylor-Flora Pili press conference in Dublin that Joshua's existing contract contains no provision requiring Zuffa Boxing to participate in the heavyweight bout. "No, or else there will be no fight and we'll just keep going," Hearn said, per Bloody Elbow. "You have to understand, right? AJ is one of my closest friends; AJ is a shareholder of Matchroom."

Joshua's Contract Position On White And Zuffa

Hearn pushed back against suggestions the exclusion reflects his personal preference rather than Joshua's wishes. He confirmed the former two-time heavyweight champion asked why the UFC boss and TKO executives were being inserted into talks. "I said, 'Exactly, so are you OK with them not being involved?' He says, 'Yeah,'" Hearn said.

The promoter clarified that any addendum to the original agreement does not need to restate the Zuffa exclusion because those terms already exist in Joshua's contract. "The addendum is just changes," he said.

No timeline has been announced for when Fury and Joshua might meet. Both heavyweights remain unsigned for their next bouts.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Eddie Hearn draws Dana White line in Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua talks