The highly anticipated Fury vs Joshua fight is still expected to take place in Cardiff this December, according to veteran promoter Frank Warren. Despite recent threats of collapse, Warren remains confident that the bout will go ahead, citing Saudi Arabian backing as a key factor.
Warren's Confidence in the Fight
Frank Warren, who has promoted Tyson Fury for years, told The Guardian: "It will still happen because the Saudis will sue the arses off them if it doesn't. The Saudis are putting up the money. They're the paymasters and so I think it will happen." His statement comes after Fury himself suggested on Saturday that the fight was in serious jeopardy, blaming Anthony Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn for trying to pull out.
The War of Words
Fury didn't hold back, saying: "Breaking news. Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn are trying to pull out of this fight. They're saying they're not gonna fight now. It's mainly to do with Eddie Hearn's ego. He's making up a million different things and threatening 'we're not gonna fight, we're not gonna fight, we're not gonna fight'. He's cost us the biggest fight in boxing history. Clown." Hearn, however, disputes the legitimacy of Dana White's involvement in the promotion.
Dana White's Role Under Scrutiny
Dana White, the American combat sports promoter known for his work with the UFC, recently ventured into boxing. His company, Zuffa Boxing, has been named as co-promoter alongside The Ring, which is owned by Saudi Arabia and Turki al-Sheikh. Hearn questions whether White's involvement is legitimate, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
What's at Stake?
This fight between two British former world heavyweight champions has been years in the making. A showdown between Fury and Joshua would be one of the biggest events in boxing history, with massive financial implications. The Saudi Arabian backers are investing heavily, and any cancellation could lead to legal repercussions.
| Key Figures | Role |
|---|---|
| Tyson Fury | Heavyweight Boxer |
| Anthony Joshua | Heavyweight Boxer |
| Frank Warren | Promoter (Fury) |
| Eddie Hearn | Promoter (Joshua) |
| Dana White | Co-Promoter (Zuffa Boxing) |
Key Takeaways
- Frank Warren believes the Fury vs Joshua fight will happen despite threats of collapse.
- Saudi Arabian investors are funding the event and could sue if it doesn't proceed.
- Eddie Hearn disputes Dana White's involvement as co-promoter.
- The fight is expected to take place in Cardiff in December.
FAQ
Will the Fury vs Joshua fight definitely happen?
According to Frank Warren, the fight is still on track for December in Cardiff, though there are ongoing disputes that could affect it.
Why is Eddie Hearn threatening to pull out?
Hearn disputes the legitimacy of Dana White's involvement as co-promoter and has concerns about the deal.
What role do the Saudis play in the fight?
The Saudis are providing the funding for the event and have threatened legal action if it doesn't proceed.