Heavyweight rivals Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are targeting a massive heavyweight clash for late 2026, but promoters have confirmed that UFC CEO Dana White and Zuffa Boxing are contractually barred from any involvement. Frank Warren, the founder of Queensberry Promotions, revealed that Tyson Fury’s existing contract explicitly prevents Zuffa from promoting his fights. The statement from Frank Warren characterizes Dana White’s recent claims of involvement as “bulls***,” while Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn dismissed the idea as “clout chasing.”
The exclusion of the UFC president follows a reported $1 billion lawsuit initiated by Frank Warren against TKO and Sela in February 2026. The legal action stems from the formation of Zuffa Boxing, with Frank Warren claiming he was originally supposed to be involved in the venture. Eddie Hearn, who represents Anthony Joshua, echoed Frank Warren’s stance, stating that Dana White’s participation is “not a chance and contractually impossible.” This unified front comes as Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh continues to drive negotiations for the British superfight.
The highly anticipated bout, which aims to determine the “undisputed A-side of British boxing,” is expected to take place in November 2026. While London’s Wembley Stadium is the preferred location, sites in Saudi Arabia and Croke Park in Dublin are also under consideration. This one-fight deal reportedly contains no rematch clause, increasing the stakes for both men. Fury-Joshua bout penciled in for late 2026 targets a window in the final quarter of the year, though official contracts remain a point of discussion.
Winter showdown hinges on summer tune-up results
Despite the momentum toward November, both fighters must first survive dangerous interim assignments during the summer months. Anthony Joshua is currently scheduled to face Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 25. Kristian Prenga, 36, holds a daunting record of 20 wins and 1 loss, with all 20 of his victories coming by way of knockout. Anthony Joshua, also 36, has not fought since his December 2025 knockout of Jake Paul.
Tyson Fury has his own hurdle on August 1 in Dublin, Ireland. While his opponent is expected to be announced this week, Frank Warren has promised a “good opponent” to keep the champion sharp. These matches are not merely exhibition rounds; Eddie Hearn has warned that if either man loses their respective summer bout, the November mega-fight is “over.” The Fury’s August bout may be Joshua prep serves as a critical bridge to the year-end headline event.
The financial scale of the event is already coming into focus, with Netflix confirmed as the primary broadcaster. Dr. Dan Plumley estimates that the streaming giant paid upwards of £10 million to secure the rights. This moves the sport further into the digital streaming era, potentially reaching a wider global audience than traditional pay-per-view models. However, the boxing match delayed by contract talks in previous years serves as a reminder that the path to the ring is rarely smooth.
Fighter statistics and current heavyweight rankings
Tyson Fury, 37, currently holds the WBC #1 ranking and a record of 35-2-1 with 24 knockouts. His most recent outing was a unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tyson Fury will carry a three-inch height and reach advantage into the ring against Anthony Joshua. This advantage remains a central talking point for analysts gauging how the “Gypsy King” will handle Anthony Joshua’s power.
Anthony Joshua enters the potential match with 29 wins and 4 losses, boasting a 90% knockout percentage. He maintains top-five rankings across three major governing bodies: the WBA, WBC, and WBO. Beyond the ring, Anthony Joshua’s recent history has been marked by personal tragedy, including a serious car accident in Nigeria in December 2025. Despite this, he remains focused on the July bout in Riyadh to stay on track for the November target.
Legal disputes and the Zuffa Boxing fallout
The firm rejection of Dana White’s entry into the promotion highlights the protective nature of boxing’s established power players. Frank Warren’s ongoing $1 billion lawsuit against TKO and Sela has created a significant rift that precludes cooperation with Zuffa Boxing. While Dana White has expressed a public desire to reshape the boxing landscape, the contractual walls built by Queensberry and Matchroom currently keep the TKO brand on the sidelines.
Saudi investment continues to be the primary engine behind these cross-promotional efforts. Turki Alalshikh has successfully brokered peace between formerly rivalrous promoters, but that cooperation does not extend to everyone. With the Riyadh Season calendar expanding, the concentration of world-class heavyweight boxing remains firmly under the control of those who have navigated the contract disputes of the last several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dana White not allowed to promote the Fury vs Joshua fight?
Dana White and Zuffa Boxing are contractually barred because Tyson Fury’s promotion agreement explicitly prevents their involvement. Additionally, promoter Frank Warren is currently pursuing a $1 billion lawsuit against TKO and Sela, the parent companies associated with White’s boxing venture, making a promotional partnership impossible.
Will the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight actually happen in 2026?
The fight is currently targeted for November 2026, likely at Wembley Stadium. However, the deal is contingent on both fighters winning their summer interim bouts. Anthony Joshua fights Kristian Prenga on July 25, and Tyson Fury fights on August 1; a loss for either man will cancel the scheduled November event.
How can fans watch the fight and what are the broadcasting details?
Netflix has officially confirmed that it will broadcast the superfight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Industry experts estimate the streaming platform paid more than £10 million for the rights. This follows Anthony Joshua’s previous involvement with a Netflix-streamed card where he defeated Jake Paul in December 2025.
