Fury Teases Major Announcement with UFC President Dana White
Two-time heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who holds a professional record of 35 wins, two losses, and one draw from 38 fights, has indicated he is involved in a "massive announcement" alongside Zuffa Boxing and UFC president Dana White.
The 37-year-old former heavyweight champion appeared as a special guest at the UFC's White House event on Sunday, which celebrated 250 years of American independence. Fury wore a 'Donald Trump for Prime Minister' cap during the occasion.
In an interview with UFC broadcaster Jon Anik, Fury was asked if he had an announcement involving White. He responded:
"I think I'm going to let Dana do the speaking, but it is a massive, massive announcement."
When questioned about White's involvement in promoting his long-anticipated fight against fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, targeted for the end of 2026, Fury said:
"100% potential, yes."
Despite White's claims of promoting a Joshua vs Fury fight, the prospect has been repeatedly denied by Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn and Fury's promoter Frank Warren.
Fury expressed enthusiasm about the fight, stating:
"I'm very excited for this fight. It's been over a decade in the making. For whatever reason it hasn't happened before. Let's hope it happens right now, very soon."
Fury has been signed to Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions but announced via an Instagram story on Monday that Saudi Arabian figure Turki Alalshikh will promote him for the remainder of his career. has reached out to Matchroom and Queensberry for comment.
Zuffa Boxing, founded by White and supported by Saudi Arabian funding, aims to challenge established boxing promoters. Its first significant move was signing British welterweight Conor Benn from Eddie Hearn's Matchroom stable in February. Since then, Zuffa has signed multiple boxers, including IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia. Securing Fury would represent its most prominent acquisition to date.
Fury has held the heavyweight world championship twice and has two losses, both to Oleksandr Usyk, and one draw against Deontay Wilder.
In February, Frank Warren considered legal action regarding Zuffa's launch, and White has had multiple disputes with Hearn. White has expressed intentions to amend the Muhammad Ali Act, a 2000 US law designed to protect boxers' rights and prevent monopolies. Changes could allow recognition of a Zuffa belt as a legitimate world title and reduce reliance on other sanctioning bodies.
Fury returned from retirement with a victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April and mentioned a "potential fight in August" before the Joshua bout. Joshua, aged 36, must also secure a win before a potential fight with Fury, with a scheduled match against Kristian Prenga on 25 July in Saudi Arabia.
Fury as Zuffa's Figurehead Could Reshape Boxing - Analysis
Fury's prominent appearance at the UFC's White House event, marked by an almost presidential walkout, suggested an imminent blockbuster announcement regarding his association with Zuffa Boxing.
Had Fury formally signed with Zuffa, it would have sent significant ripples through the boxing world. However, consistent with the enigmatic nature of Fury's career and the prolonged anticipation surrounding a fight with Joshua, the announcement remained ambiguous.
Fury hinted at a "massive" announcement but deferred to White for details. White, when questioned by media post-event, avoided specifics, stating:
"I'm in my lane, I'm doing my thing. Just sit back and watch. We'll make an announcement soon."
This response raises questions about whether Fury was to announce something but chose not to, or if White is intentionally prolonging suspense.
If Fury is preparing to join Zuffa, it could impact his longstanding relationship with Frank Warren and the prospects of the Fury vs Joshua fight. Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has previously stated the fight would not proceed if White were involved in promotion.
Such a move could also have significant implications for Queensberry Promotions, which has developed a strong heavyweight roster with Fury as its marquee fighter. Losing Fury to a rival promoter could lead to concerns about other fighters potentially following suit.
Should Fury become the face of Zuffa Boxing, it could transform the promotional landscape of boxing for years to come.
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