Eddie Hearn Use UFC Freedom 250 to Dispel Dana White Promoting Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua

Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn weighs in on UFC CEO Dana White's recent claims about promoting Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua.

Eddie Hearn Use UFC Freedom 250 to Dispel Dana White Promoting Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua

Eddie Hearn hints at promoting UFC White House (via Complex, MMA Mania)

In Short
  • Eddie Hearn is promoting the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event, which will be held on the White House South Lawn.
  • Dana White has plans to promote the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua superfight, expected in late 2026.
  • The rivalry between Hearn and White has intensified, with public exchanges and challenges regarding boxing promotions.

Eddie Hearn has remained a major figure in boxing discussions for years as the chairman of Matchroom Boxing. After taking control from his father, Barry Hearn, he expanded Matchroom’s influence across international boxing. He later became one of combat sports’ most recognizable promoters through several boxing events. However, Hearn is now making headlines for his growing rivalry with Dana White.

White has rapidly ventured into boxing through his own Zuffa Boxing promotion in recent months. He revealed plans to move boxing away from its traditional structure toward a more modernized, simplified one. Zuffa Boxing has already hosted six official events while continuing to expand its presence within professional boxing. The promotion also signed notable names, including Jai Opetaia and Conor Benn.

White recently hinted at promoting the upcoming superfight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The fight currently has no confirmed date or venue, but is expected to take place in late 2026. Hearn has served as Joshua’s promoter for the past 13 years through Matchroom, guiding most of his career. However, Hearn recently weighed in on the situation with a promotional claim of his own.

I don’t know if Dana White is trolling or is just absolutely clueless. When I hear his comments, I don’t know, it’s just so bizarre about what he says, and no one really questions him. I think everyone has now understood that he is not promoting the Tyson Fury, AJ fight, contractually, it’s just completely impossible. I am, you know, officially promoting the White House card by the looks of things.

Eddie Hearn via Pro Boxing Fans

The UFC White House card, officially titled UFC Freedom 250, is expected to become one of the company’s biggest events. The event would also become the first combat sports card hosted on the White House South Lawn. Its proposed budget stands near $60 million, roughly $40 million higher than the UFC’s Sphere event. The June 14th showcase is the brainchild of White and Donald Trump.

The rivalry between Hearn and White has recently intensified through public exchanges involving boxing challenges. The situation started after Hearn criticized the new Zuffa Boxing championship belt. White later responded by jokingly challenging the British promoter to a boxing match during their rivalry. However, the UFC head honcho later mocked the idea, joking about the two men fighting at their age.

Dana White recently revealed during an interview with Nina Drama that he plans to promote the Fury-Joshua fight in the future. White also explained that a new deal with Sky Sports UK would further strengthen those promotional ambitions internationally. Eddie Hearn’s recent comments hinting at involvement with UFC Freedom 250 remain surprising given his limited experience in MMA promotion.

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Eddie Hearn shuts down plans regarding another tune-up fight for Tyson Fury ahead of All-British clash

Tyson Fury recently made his latest retirement U-turn on April 11 after returning to professional boxing again. The British heavyweight defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov via unanimous decision to return to the win column. Fury’s comeback immediately renewed discussions surrounding a long-awaited superfight against Anthony Joshua. As announced by Turki Alalshikh, Fury is now expected to face AJ in late 2026.

Eddie Hearn shares his tidbits on Tyson Fury's retirement news
Eddie Hearn shares his tidbits on Tyson Fury (via Imago)

Fury’s team also suggested a tune-up fight before ‘The Gypsy King’ faces Anthony Joshua. However, Eddie Hearn believes Joshua has already stayed active after fighting Jake Paul in December 2025. However, he also noted Joshua has not faced a professional boxer since his 2024 loss against Daniel Dubois. The Matchroom chairman further explained that Fury does not need a tune-up fight before the superfight.

I mean, we don’t have control of that. To be honest, Fury came out of the Makhmudov fight and… he’s already had his warm-up. Fury did a good 12 rounds with Makhmudov. I don’t feel Fury needs another fight, but his excuse will be that he’s got to wait until November. Well, it is May this weekend; have a holiday in May, June, then you can go back into camp in August, September, October. But I don’t know. I don’t know what his contractual position is, but he’s signed for the fight, so I’ll let those guys work it out.

Eddie Hearn via Seconds Out

Anthony Joshua is expected to face Kristian Prenga in a tune-up fight in July 2026. The matchup between the two British heavyweight stars has remained one of boxing’s most anticipated fights for years. Promoters continue working carefully to avoid setbacks before the planned superfight finally takes place. That includes efforts from Eddie Hearn and Turki Alalshikh to ensure the fight does not get cancelled.

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