Anthony Joshua Declines $10 Million Offer to Let TKO Promote Tyson Fury Fight, Says Eddie Hearn

Joshua Turns Down $10 Million to Let TKO Promote Fury Fight

Anthony Joshua refused a reported $10 million offer, on top of his fight purse, that would have allowed TKO Group—the parent company of UFC and WWE—to lead promotion for his highly anticipated bout against Tyson Fury. This revelation came from Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom, during an appearance on Uncrowned’s The Ariel Helwani Show.

Joshua stood firm on honoring his current contract terms, which specify the December 11 fight must happen on British soil without TKO’s involvement. This rejected proposal sits at the center of escalating tensions between Hearn and UFC CEO Dana White regarding White’s potential role in the event.

Offer Came Through Back Channels

Hearn disclosed that someone from TKO approached a member of Joshua’s team with a clear, written offer to promote the fight. This willingness by TKO to pay a premium underscores what Hearn sees as the underwhelming success of Zuffa Boxing since its launch earlier this year.

“They need to show shareholders that Zuffa Boxing is a hit,” Hearn said, pointing out the lack of scheduled U.S. events for Zuffa Boxing in the coming months. “Being part of the biggest fight in the world gives them huge value. That’s why they threw a lot of money at Joshua.”

Hearn described this move as a sign of desperation by TKO to claim involvement in the mega-fight despite their poor track record.

Bitter Dispute Between Matchroom and UFC

The fight between Joshua and Fury was officially confirmed two weeks ago after years of anticipation. Yet within two days, uncertainty arose when Netflix released a statement crediting White with promotional duties—something Hearn quickly called a breach of agreement.

“When that press release went out, s*** hit the fan. It put the fight in jeopardy because it violated the contract,” Hearn said. “Netflix claimed it wasn’t their agreement, but it still caused chaos.”

Negotiations stalled as various parties, including Saudi Arabia’s SELA, got involved trying to push TKO into a promotional role. Hearn pushed back, insisting that TKO would neither promote the fight nor appear at the press conference.

White’s Involvement Still Possible, But Not Now

Even after rejecting TKO’s offer, Netflix and SELA have kept pressing to involve White. Hearn managed to keep White off the kickoff press conference and excluded him as a promoter, wins that pleased many fans.

Hearn suggested there could be future talks about White’s role if it benefits Joshua and Matchroom, but said negotiations can’t start while the media conflict continues.

“White was expected to acknowledge the promotional clause and reach out for talks weeks ago but refused,” Hearn explained. “Instead, he doubled down on claiming UFC’s promotional role, even saying they’d produce the event, which I deny.”

A Press Conference Showdown Awaits

Many look forward to seeing Hearn and White face off publicly. Hearn himself welcomes the challenge, confident he would dominate the verbal sparring.

“I don’t mind White being at the press conference—I’d love to see it. But you’ve got to let me have my say. If you think this has been messy so far, wait until I get in front of him,” Hearn said. “It would be like taking candy from a baby.”

He concluded firmly, “White will only be there if we allow it. That’s final.”