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Joshua vs Fury: Heavyweight Tyson Fury teases ‘massive announcement’ with Dana White on UFC White House visit


Tyson Fury says he is set to feature in a “massive announcement” from Zuffa Boxing and UFC president Dana White.

Former heavyweight champion Fury was a special guest at the UFC’s White House show on Sunday, which took place as part of celebrations to mark 250 years of American independence.

During an interview with UFC broadcaster Jon Anik, the 37-year-old Briton was asked if he had an announcement to make involving White.

“I think I’m going to let Dana do the speaking, but it is a massive, massive announcement,” said Fury.

When asked if White would be part of the promotion for his long-awaited fight against fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, which is targeted for the end of 2026, Fury said: “100% potential, yes.”

White’s assertion that he would be promoting Joshua v Fury has been repeatedly shot down by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn and Fury’s promoter Frank Warren.

“I’m very excited for this fight. It’s been over a decade in the making,” added Fury.

“For whatever reason it hasn’t happened before. Let’s hope it happens right now, very soon.”

BBC Sport has asked Matchroom and Queensberry for comment.

Founded by White and backed by Saudi Arabian funding, Zuffa Boxing is looking to rival the sport’s established promoters.

It made its first big noise when it signed British welterweight Conor Benn in a dramatic move from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable in February.

Zuffa has since signed multiple boxers, including IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia, but the signing of Fury would be by far its biggest addition if that happened.

Fury enjoyed two reigns as heavyweight world champion and boasts a professional record of 35 wins, two defeats – both against Oleksandr Usyk – and one draw with Deontay Wilder.

Queensberry’s Warren said in February he was considering legal action over the launch of Zuffa, while White has also had multiple disputes with Hearn.

White has said he hopes to change the Muhammad Ali Act – a 2000 US law designed to protect boxers’ rights and combat potential monopolies.

Adjustments to this could allow him to recognise a Zuffa belt as a legitimate world championship title, and remove the need to work with the other sanctioning bodies.

Fury marked his return from retirement with a win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, and says he has another “potential fight in August” before the Joshua bout can take place.

Joshua also must win before a potential bout with Fury, with the 36-year-old facing Kristian Prenga on 25 July in Saudi Arabia.


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