Fury teases Joshua fight at UFC White House alongside White

Tyson Fury says he is set to feature in a "massive announcement" from Zuffa Boxing and UFC president Dana White.

Former heavyweight champion Fury was a special guest at the UFC's White House show on Sunday as part of celebrations to mark 250 years of American independence, wearing a 'Donald Trump for Prime Minister' cap.

During an interview with UFC broadcaster Jon Anik, the 37-year-old Briton was asked if he had an announcement to make involving White.

"I think I'm going to let Dana do the speaking, but it is a massive, massive announcement," said Fury.

When asked if White would be part of the promotion for his long-awaited fight against fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, which is targeted for the end of 2026, Fury said: "100% potential, yes."

White's assertion that he would be promoting Joshua v Fury has been repeatedly shot down by Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn and Fury's promoter Frank Warren.

"I'm very excited for this fight. It's been over a decade in the making," added Fury.

"For whatever reason it hasn't happened before. Let's hope it happens right now, very soon."

Fury has been signed to Warren's Queensberry Promotions but in an Instagram story on Monday he said that he will be promoted by Saudi Arabian powerhouse Turki Alalshikh for the rest of his career.

BBC Sport has asked Matchroom and Queensberry for comment.

Founded by White and backed by Saudi Arabian funding, Zuffa Boxing is looking to rival the sport's established promoters.

It made its first big noise when it signed British welterweight Conor Benn in a dramatic move from Eddie Hearn's Matchroom stable in February.

Zuffa has since signed multiple boxers, including IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia, but the signing of Fury would be by far its biggest addition if that happened.

Fury enjoyed two reigns as heavyweight world champion and boasts a professional record of 35 wins, two defeats - both against Oleksandr Usyk - and one draw with Deontay Wilder.

Queensberry's Warren said in February he was considering legal action over the launch of Zuffa, while White has also had multiple disputes with Hearn.

White has said he hopes to change the Muhammad Ali Act - a 2000 US law designed to protect boxers' rights and combat potential monopolies.

Adjustments to this could allow him to recognise a Zuffa belt as a legitimate world championship title, and remove the need to work with the other sanctioning bodies.

Fury marked his return from retirement with a win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, and says he has another "potential fight in August" before the Joshua bout can take place.

Joshua also must win before a potential bout with Fury, with the 36-year-old facing Kristian Prenga on 25 July in Saudi Arabia.

If Fury becomes the face of Zuffa it could reshape the boxing landscape

When Fury was given a grand, almost presidential walkout at the UFC's White House event, the assumption was it was the prelude to a blockbuster announcement that he was joining Zuffa Boxing.

Had Fury formally signed, it would have sent shockwaves through the sport.

Instead, in keeping with the often cryptic nature of Fury's career - and particularly the endless twists and turns that have surrounded the prospect of a fight with Joshua over the past decade - what followed was an announcement that was not really an announcement.

Fury teased something "massive" was coming but said he would leave White to reveal it. Then, when White faced the media after the event, he somewhat swerved the question. "I'm in my lane, I'm doing my thing. Just sit back and watch. We'll make an announcement soon," White said.

That only raises more questions. Was Fury supposed to announce something and then decided against it? Or is White deliberately dragging out the suspense?

If Fury is preparing to sign with Zuffa, what would it mean for his long-standing relationship with Frank Warren? And most importantly, what would it mean for Fury v Joshua?

Just when it seemed the long-awaited all-British heavyweight showdown would happen this year, we have another layer of uncertainty. Joshua's promoter, Hearn, has previously insisted the fight would not happen if White was involved in promoting it.

There could also be serious implications for Farren's Queensberry Promotions. The company has built an enviable stable of heavyweight talent and Fury remains its biggest star. Losing him to a rival operation would inevitably bring concerns about whether other fighters could eventually be tempted to follow.

If Fury is about to become the face of Zuffa Boxing, it could reshape boxing's promotional landscape for years to come.