Luke Littler Slams Boxing Promoters for Scheduling Fury vs. Joshua Clash on Darts Championship Opener

Darts sensation Luke Littler has voiced his displeasure with boxing promoters for scheduling the highly anticipated bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua on the same night as the opening of the World Darts Championship. The event is set to take place on December 11 at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

Littler, the defending darts champion, is scheduled to compete in the curtain-raiser of the tournament at Alexandra Palace in London on the same evening. While the boxing match's ring walks are not expected until around 2 a.m. on December 12 to accommodate American audiences, Littler expressed his frustration, calling it a scheduling oversight.

"A message to the Hearns (promoters): what is this?" Littler posted on Instagram. "Opening night of the World Championship (world champion plays on opening night 11th December) and you put one of the biggest fights in Britain on the same night. You had one job."

Following a negative reaction from some followers, Littler later claimed he was joking. "Why's everyone so sensitive it's literally a JOKE cman guys," he added.

The heavyweight clash, billed as the "Battle of Britain," is set to be broadcast live on Netflix. Both fighters are expected to earn approximately £75 million each, a figure significantly larger than the prize money available in professional darts. The decision to stage the fight in Cardiff came after negotiations, with promoters aiming to bring the event to British soil. The Principality Stadium was chosen due to its retractable roof and the Welsh government's flexibility regarding late-night curfews.

Promoter Turki Alalshikh confirmed the fight's location, stating, "Fury Vs Joshua will be coming to the UK, as I promised British boxing fans. The time for talking is over. Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua. Years in the making. One night to settle it. December 11th. LIVE on Netflix."

This scheduling conflict highlights the growing crossover appeal between different major sporting events. While Littler aims for his third consecutive world title in darts, the heavyweight boxing match represents a landmark event in British sport. The fight's move to the UK was a significant effort by promoters, including Eddie Hearn, who pushed to ensure British fans could witness the contest live. The bout had originally been considered for Madison Square Garden in New York before being re-negotiated for a UK venue, partly due to financial and logistical considerations.