Joshua vs Fury: Anthony Joshua fight doesn’t look like it will happen – Tyson Fury

The situation has been complicated by the arrival of the Dana White-fronted Zuffa Boxing, which is jointly owned by Sela and TKO Group Holdings. TKO is the managing partner, while White is among the promotion’s executive leaders.

Hearn has criticised the push to stage the fight in America.

“The reason that this is happening, to be completely honest with you, is because TKO and Zuffa have basically convinced or tried to convince Turki that this fight is massive in America,” he said.

Fury also addressed White’s involvement.

“White wants to be involved, he can come on my side. He can be a part of me. Get in, Dana. You want to make the fight, you can come on my side,” Fury said.

BBC Sport has also contacted TKO for comment.

Joshua and Fury are two of the biggest names in British boxing and have become crossover stars during their careers.

There has been strong support from within British boxing for the fight to take place in the UK.

Hearn said the importance of staging it in Britain had nothing to do with how many fans could attend.

“It’s about British boxing. It’s about amateur boxing clubs. It’s about kids watching the biggest fight in boxing in our country,” he said.

He also highlighted Joshua’s history in Britain, including winning Olympic gold at London 2012.

“And more than that, it’s about Anthony Joshua wanting to have this fight in Britain where he won the Olympic gold medal, where he won the World Championship, where he absolutely changed the face of boxing forever,” Hearn added.