Joshua vs. Fury: Boxing's Biggest British Showdown

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Joshua-Fury Bout Highlights Boxing’s Promotional Power Struggle

Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury is expected to be one of the biggest heavyweight championship bouts of all time. The matchup between two British fighters also brings the sport back to the country where the Queensbury rules began.

Beyond the anticipated fight, considerable business drama surrounds boxing. A Saudi Arabian backer named Turkey is providing money for major fights, while Zufa, the boxing operation started by UFC figure Dana White, is promoting events.

Zufa’s arrival has created tension with established boxing promoters. White has said he wants to fix boxing because the sport is broken. Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua’s promoter and manager, has been feuding with White, but the Saudi Arabian financial backing is forcing the two sides to work together.

Zufa has helped organize major events, including the recent Ryan Garcia-Connor Benn fight. However, the company has also faced criticism from UFC figures over the size of the payments being offered to boxers. Connor Benn received $15 million for one fight.

There are also signs of trouble for Zufa. Shakur Stevenson, one of boxing’s biggest lightweight names, signed with the company while in his prime but requested and received his release this week because Zufa was not arranging the fights he wanted. A potential fight with Devin Haney has now been placed on hold, although Zufa could still be involved.

Unlike UFC fighters, boxers can move between promoters. The UFC locks fighters into its system and pays them through the company, similar to the structure used in MLS and Mexican lucha libre. Boxing offers higher potential paydays at the top, but its lower paychecks can also fall well below the UFC’s minimum level.

Zufa and Dana White want to bring the UFC model to boxing by creating one league instead of having multiple promotions and championship belts.