# Eddie Hearn Criticizes Fury vs Joshua Undercard and Dana White's Role Promoter Eddie Hearn questions the quality of the upcoming Fury vs Joshua fight card. - **Source:** [The Independent – Sport](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fe19bcb2-5148-49d7-a116-91a410bc0cfd ## Public Criticism of Card Promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly criticized the undercard for the upcoming Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua fight scheduled for December 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. Hearn stated he had no involvement in organizing the main card bouts, describing the current selection as disappointing and lacking the necessary quality for such a historic event. ## Main Card Matchups The main card currently features Deontay Wilder against Jai Opetaia as the chief-support bout. Additionally, Martin Bakole is set to face Solomon Adebayo, while Da’Mazion Vanhouter will box Michael Essomba. Hearn questioned the inclusion of these specific fighters on such a high-profile card, suggesting they belong on the preliminary undercard instead of the main event. ## Dana White's Involvement Hearn attributed the questionable matchmaking to the influence of UFC CEO Dana White, who is currently advising Saudi official Turki Alalshikh. Hearn argued that White and Alalshikh lack sufficient knowledge of the boxing market and audience. He further claimed that White is contractually prohibited from being involved in the Fury versus Joshua fight itself. ## Missed Opportunities Hearn highlighted the exclusion of Welsh two-time world champion Joe Cordina from the main card as a significant oversight. He noted that he had proposed several high-profile opponents for Cordina, including Manny Pacquiao and Mauricio Lara, but these suggestions were ignored by the organizers in favor of the currently announced, lesser-known fighters. ## Managerial Frustration The dissatisfaction extends beyond Hearn, as he claimed that Tyson Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, is also speechless regarding the current card structure. Hearn emphasized that while he has fighters appearing on the preliminary undercard, he remains entirely distanced from the main card decisions, which he believes fail to serve the British boxing audience. ## Market Strategy Disconnect Hearn questioned the logic behind the current matchmaking, specifically regarding the American audience. He argued that the chosen undercard fights do not provide any tangible value or interest for American viewers. He expressed confusion over why the organizers prioritized these specific matchups over more established, marketable talent for such a massive event. ## Future Plans for Cordina Despite the frustration regarding the Fury versus Joshua event, Hearn confirmed he is actively working to secure a significant fight for Joe Cordina in January. This move aims to provide the Welsh boxer with a platform that better reflects his status as a two-time world champion, independent of the current card's controversial management. ## Context of Boxing Promotion This dispute highlights the complex dynamics between traditional boxing promoters and new figures like Dana White entering the sport. The tension underscores the importance of market knowledge and audience engagement in building successful fight cards. As the December 11 date approaches, the industry continues to watch how these conflicting promotional strategies unfold. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/boxing/fury-joshua-undercard-fights-eddie-hearn-dana-white-b3084054.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._