Dana White, the founder of the UFC and the new Zuffa Boxing promotion, recently told Sky Sports that he personally arranged the location for the highly anticipated heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. According to White, his company TKO – which now controls UFC, WWE and Zuffa Boxing – handled every aspect of the deal, from the television rights to the actual arena contract. \n\n"We are the ones who closed the venue agreement," White said. "I negotiated the deal, so I know exactly where the fight will be held.
We took care of the broadcast package and all the logistics." His comments come amid ongoing speculation about whether the clash will be staged in the United Kingdom, where Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has been vocal, or in the United States, where the financial incentives appear stronger. \n\nHearn has repeatedly argued that the fight belongs in Britain, stating, "I strongly believe this event should happen on home soil and we will do everything we can to make that a reality." White, however, countered with a pragmatic view: "At the end of the day, the money follows the venue.
We will go where the purse makes sense for both fighters and the promoters." \n\nThe rivalry between Fury and Joshua has been simmering for almost ten years. Both men have dominated the heavyweight division at different times, yet a direct confrontation has remained elusive. Fans have watched each champion collect titles, defend belts, and trade barbs, but the logistical and promotional hurdles have kept the bout from materialising. White’s admission that he has secured the arena adds a new layer to the saga, suggesting that the fight may finally move beyond the endless back‑and‑forth and onto a concrete stage.
\n\nIn his interview, White did not shy away from criticizing the current state of boxing promotion. He described the sport’s recent history as "a mess" driven more by ego than by the desire to deliver compelling match‑ups for fans. "The promoters’ egos have become larger than the fights themselves," he said. "It’s not about the money for the fans; it’s about the money for the promoters.
The Saudis are willing to bankroll this fight, but the real issue is that the people who control the sport often put their own pride ahead of the audience’s wishes." \n\nWhite’s remarks also touched on the financial dynamics at play. He noted that wealthy backers, such as Saudi investors, are prepared to spend significant sums to see a Fury‑Joshua showdown, which could finally tip the scales in favour of a venue that maximises revenue. "They are ready to pay a lot of money, and that changes the calculus," White explained. "When you have deep pockets on one side, the promoter’s ego becomes less of an obstacle and the financial reality takes over." \n\nThe UFC veteran also reflected on his personal connections to both fighters.
He recalled first meeting Joshua after the British heavyweight’s victory over Wladimir Klitschko, praising the champion’s marketability: "He’s charismatic, looks great on camera, and speaks well – exactly what boxing needs in a heavyweight champion." White’s admiration for Fury was equally strong, recalling the moment Fury rebounded after his loss to Deontay Wilder. "He got knocked down, got back up like a zombie, and finished the fight.
He’s a thrilling fighter and one of the best ever," White said. \n\nWhite’s involvement in the boxing world is relatively recent – he launched Zuffa Boxing only six months ago – but his influence is already evident.
By leveraging his experience in mixed‑martial‑arts promotion and his network of broadcast partners, he has positioned himself as a key broker for the sport’s biggest potential payday. His claim that he secured the venue suggests that the fight could be announced soon, pending final agreements with the fighters’ respective promoters, Matchroom Boxing for Joshua and Queensberry Promotions for Fury.
\n\nSky Sports has reached out to both promotional companies for comment, and the boxing community is waiting anxiously for an official confirmation. If White’s statements hold true, the fight could be scheduled for a major arena in either Las Vegas, a traditional boxing hub, or perhaps a high‑profile UK venue such as Wembley or the O2 Arena, depending on where the financial terms prove most favourable. \n\nBeyond the immediate logistics, the potential Fury‑Joshua bout carries broader implications for the sport.
A successful, well‑promoted heavyweight clash could help restore confidence among fans who have grown weary of fragmented negotiations and last‑minute cancellations. It could also demonstrate the power of cross‑promotion partnerships, where a figure like White, with deep ties to both MMA and boxing, can bridge gaps that have historically kept marquee fights from happening. \n\nIn summary, Dana White’s recent interview reveals that he has personally negotiated the venue for the long‑awaited Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua heavyweight showdown. While the exact location remains undisclosed, White’s confidence that "the money will decide" suggests a venue with strong financial backing is on the table.
The fight, long teased for nearly a decade, may finally move from speculation to reality, offering fans a chance to witness two of the sport’s most compelling heavyweights square off in a setting that satisfies both promoters and the global audience.