Luke Littler expresses frustration over fight scheduling
Luke Littler has raised concerns over the scheduling of the highly anticipated boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, which is set for December 11 in Cardiff. This date coincides with Littler’s own world title defence, leading him to publicly criticise fight promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn, reports BritPanorama.
The 19-year-old darts star will headline the opening night at Alexandra Palace following his success at last year’s tournament. The Joshua-Fury bout is expected to take place in the early hours of December 12, prompting Littler, an admirer of boxing, to voice concerns about his ability to attend the fight.
Littler took to social media to express his frustrations, directing his comments towards the Hearns, who also play a role in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). He posted, “A message to the Hearns, what is this? Opening night of the World Championship and you put one of the biggest fights in Britain on the same night. You had one job.”
He later added, “Why’s everyone so sensitive, it’s literally a joke cmon guys,” suggesting a level of disbelief at the situation. There had been speculation regarding the fight’s location, with some suggesting it might take place in the US or Middle East before it was confirmed for Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. This announcement was made by Turki Alalshikh, who is financing the event, via social media.
Alalshikh stated, “For 15 years, no one has been able to make this fight. Back in April, I said that any announcement would come from me.” The match is set to be broadcast by Netflix, starting around 2am. Initially, the fight was scheduled for Madison Square Garden in New York on November 20, but negotiations were made to bring the event to the UK, largely due to the influence of Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn.
Hearn expressed gratitude towards the British public for their support of Joshua, acknowledging the pivotal role they played in securing the fight in the UK. Fury, in his remarks, emphasized the significance of the bout, stating, “Over a decade in the making! The time has come for the world’s biggest fight!”
This situation highlights the complex intersection of sport and scheduling, where the interests of different sporting events can clash, leaving athletes like Littler navigating difficult decisions amidst the spectacle.
