Temi Kings
The long-awaited collision between former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and his arch-rival Tyson Fury has delivered immediate drama before either man has even stepped into the ring.
Just days after Netflix, The Ring, and Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority confirmed that the two British heavyweights had signed contracts to clash at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11, the entire event has hit a massive legal roadblock.
The source of the chaos stems from promotional branding and executive rivalries. Following the official fight announcement, UFC president and Zuffa Boxing chief Dana White was billed alongside Turki Alalshikh as a co-promoter of the event. That move sparked an explosive response from Joshua’s long-time promoter, Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn.
Hearn insists that Joshua's signed contract explicitly stipulates White would have zero involvement in the event, accusing Netflix and organizers of ignoring contractual boundaries.
"Dana White cannot be involved with this fight promotion. Netflix clearly didn't get the memo... You've got a contract that says that."
— Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman
Tyson Fury immediately took to social media to launch a scathing verbal attack on Joshua and Hearn, claiming they are using the promotional conflict as a pretext to pull out of the bout.
"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... AJ, pull your finger out, you yellow-bellied coward."
— Tyson Fury
While Fury claims backup opponents are already being considered, Joshua has remained characteristically silent during the public tirades. Following a cryptic post on social media reminding fans that "the quietest ones often pull the strings," Joshua's camp is standing firm on contractual terms while training continues for the scheduled December showcase.
Key Match Facts & Tale of the Tape
Fighters: Anthony Joshua (30-4, 27 KOs) vs. Tyson Fury (36-2-1, 25 KOs)
Target Date & Venue: Friday, December 11, 2026 at Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
Broadcast Platform: Live globally on Netflix
The Conflict: Eddie Hearn objects to Dana White/Zuffa Boxing being listed as official co-promoters, citing a contractual breach.
Current Status: Scheduled joint press conference set for London, while emergency legal talks continue behind the scenes to save the event.