Eddie Hearn on Dana White and Fury vs Joshua: "They will only be involved if I let them"

Hearn told iFL TV that Sela confirmed "in writing" that White's production claim was "absolute bollocks", and that he will hear Sela out in Los Angeles next week.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Sun 4 Oct, 11:37 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Eddie Hearn at the Whittaker vs Wallace post-fight press conference in Birmingham — Matchroom Boxing

Eddie Hearn says Dana White and TKO can only be involved in Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua if he and Joshua allow it.

"They will only be involved if I let them. Fact," Hearn told iFL TV at Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace in Birmingham on Saturday night. Told it was surely Turki Alalshikh's call, he said: "Not Turki. Me. And Anthony Joshua. It's the only way Dana White and TKO can be involved, without jeopardising the fight."

Hearn said he went to Sela after White claimed the UFC would produce the broadcast. "They confirmed in writing, absolute bollocks. And I'm like, this guy's absolutely lost the plot," he said. "I can't believe he doesn't understand by now, doesn't clearly understand my contract."

He has agreed to meet Sela in Los Angeles next week. "Tell me why. What have you got for me? Why should I let you get involved?" Hearn said.

He expected more from White. "He's got the UFC event tonight, so he'll probably pipe up again. Then I'll have to go and spank him again tomorrow," Hearn said. White did: at the UFC 332 press conference hours later he said he knew nothing of the meeting and told reporters: "I'll see you in Wales".

Hearn also said Whittaker, who beat Wallace on points, needs another fight before a world title shot. "We are mandatory for the winner of Callum Smith against Dmitry Bivol. But we need another fight," he said, adding that Andy Lee had told him in the ring Whittaker had COVID the week before: "But, ultimately, tough shit."

Fury and Joshua meet in Cardiff on 11 December. Start times, TV and tickets are on our Fury vs Joshua page.