Eddie Hearn vs Dana White’s controversial beef explained and why it could wreck Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury finally appears to be set for December 11 in Cardiff after years of delays and failed negotiations. But the huge British heavyweight fight has been thrown into uncertainty because of a growing dispute between promoters Eddie Hearn and Dana White. White was named as part of the promotional team alongside Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, creating an immediate problem for Hearn.Joshua’s contract reportedly prevents White and TKO Group from having involvement in the fight. Hearn has therefore opposed White’s role, while Alalshikh and White remain determined to be involved. The disagreement has now become a major threat to the fight, with Fury blaming Hearn’s “ego” and White accusing the Matchroom boss of hurting the event.How Eddie Hearn and Dana White’s relationship turned into a boxing warEddie Hearn and Dana White were once on good terms. Hearn had previously praised White and the Fertitta brothers for turning UFC into a global sports powerhouse. In 2020, Hearn even said he wanted boxing to adopt some of the UFC’s successful business model.The two promoters regularly communicated and even met at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. White also welcomed Hearn and Joshua cageside for UFC London in March 2022.Their relationship changed after White entered boxing with Zuffa Boxing. White and Alalshikh made it clear they wanted to challenge the established boxing promotions. Hearn welcomed the competition but also criticised TKO Group over its position on the Muhammad Ali Act.White later admitted he was surprised by Hearn’s reaction.He said, “I was actually surprised with Eddie Hearn at his - I’ve been cool with him for a long time - at his take on me getting into boxing and his reaction to it. Very negative, very confrontational, which I found weird because it’s not his style.”The rivalry became more personal when Zuffa signed Conor Benn. Benn had spent his professional career with Matchroom before signing a reported £11million ($14.5m) one-fight deal with White’s promotion. Hearn described himself as “DEVASTATED” by the move.Hearn then signed former UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to a commercial and advisory deal. White mocked the move and questioned what Hearn had done for the British heavyweight.That rivalry has now spilled directly into Fury vs Joshua. Hearn has objected to White being involved because of Joshua’s contract. White, meanwhile, insists he has a role in the event and says Hearn is damaging the fight.White said, “He hasn’t done the fight any favours. I don’t know anybody who is more full of s*** than Eddie Hearn.”Hearn has also accused White of trying to take credit for the fight after previously pushing for it to take place in America.White remains adamant about his involvement. He said, “I’m involved in the f***ing fight.”With Fury vs Joshua scheduled for December 11, the dispute has created serious uncertainty around the event. Fury has claimed there is now only a “ONE PER CENT” chance of the fight happening, while Alalshikh has indicated that he wants White and TKO involved.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.