Anthony Joshua backs Eddie Hearn ‘if he wants to pull the plug’ on Tyson Fury fight over Dana White dispute

Anthony Joshua has pledged his unwavering support for promoter Eddie Hearn, stating he would back any decision to cancel the Tyson Fury fight if the dispute with Dana White escalates beyond repair.

"My loyalty's with Eddie, so whatever he wants to do, if he wants to pull the plug, I'll be right there tugging that plug with him," Joshua told talkSPORT Boxing. The heavyweight champion's commitment underscores the depth of tension surrounding the December 11 bout, which Hearn recently branded "one of the greatest PR disasters in boxing."

White's absence from Wednesday's London press conference drew audible boos from the crowd at the mere mention of his name, reflecting public frustration with the behind-the-scenes turmoil. Despite the acrimony, Joshua remains optimistic the fight will proceed, noting the obstacles already overcome to bring the storied matchup to fruition.

Joshua emphasized his particular satisfaction with securing the bout on U.K. soil, describing it as validation of his long-standing advocacy for British boxing prominence. He recalled sacrificing financial opportunity to bring his initial world title defense to the United Kingdom and has continued championing domestic fighters throughout his career.

"I've said it in interviews before that I think that people should put more respect upon British fighters because we are fighters that need respect or fighters to be reckoned with," Joshua reflected. He framed his role in the Fury fight as an extension of that mission, regardless of contractual complications or executive disputes. Both Fury and Joshua, nearing the twilight of legendary careers spanning decades, viewed the matchup as their final opportunity to cement shared legacy—making cancellation, despite White's involvement claims, increasingly unlikely.