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

Anthony Joshua rejected an offer of approximately $10 million on top of his purse to allow TKO Group—the parent company of UFC and WWE—to lead the promotion of his highly anticipated fight against Tyson Fury. This was revealed by Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Boxing, during an appearance on Uncrowned's The Ariel Helwani Show.

Joshua insisted that the fight, scheduled for December 11, remain on British soil under the terms of his current contract, without any promotional involvement from TKO.

Rising Tensions Between Hearn and Dana White

The declined offer has fueled a bitter dispute between Eddie Hearn and UFC CEO Dana White regarding White’s role in the fight. According to Hearn, someone approached Joshua’s team with a clear written proposal from TKO, hoping to secure their position as the primary promoters.

Hearn criticized TKO’s new boxing venture, Zuffa Boxing, which launched earlier this year, describing it as underwhelming and struggling to prove its value to shareholders. He pointed out that since its debut, Zuffa Boxing hasn’t scheduled any major U.S. events for the last months of the year.

“They need to be front and center at AJ-Fury in a fight they have nothing to do with and say, 'Look, told you, Zuffa Boxing, we are the guys. Look, biggest fight in the world,'” said Hearn. “There’s huge value in that. That’s why they offered AJ a load of money—to let them do it. This is desperation and the value they place on pretending to be involved.”

Fight Confirmation and Contract Disputes

After years of waiting, the Joshua vs. Fury fight was officially confirmed two weeks ago. Yet within two days, reports surfaced that the deal might fall apart due to a Netflix press release claiming Dana White had promotional involvement—a claim Hearn denies.

“When that press release went out, obviously s*** hit the fan,” Hearn remarked. “It would be a breach of the agreement. Netflix said, ‘It’s not our agreement,’ but it put the fight in jeopardy.”

Further complications arose when Saudi Arabia’s SELA entered the picture, and rumors spread that TKO would promote the fight and appear at the press conference. Hearn firmly shut down those claims.

Netflix and SELA Push Despite Rejection

Even after Joshua turned down the $10 million offer for TKO’s involvement, Netflix and SELA seemed unwilling to accept that decision. Thanks to Hearn’s efforts, Dana White was kept away from both the fight’s kickoff press conference and from being listed as a promoter, which many fans viewed as a victory for Joshua.

Potential for Future Talks Amid Media Clash

Hearn did mention the possibility of allowing White to participate if it benefits Joshua and Matchroom. Yet, he insists negotiations cannot start while the ongoing media feud continues.

“Five or six weeks ago, [White] was expected to acknowledge the clause barring promotional involvement and reach out for talks. He was told to say that but refused,” Hearn explained.

Instead, White has repeatedly insisted on his role as promoter, even recently claiming UFC will handle the event’s production, which Hearn denies. This ongoing conflict suggests no quick resolution is near.

Hearn Ready for Press Conference Showdown

While many fans would love to see Hearn and White face off at a press event, Hearn feels confident in his ability to dominate the exchange.

“I don’t mind Dana White being at the press conference—I’d actually love to get him up there. But you’ve got to let us go at it. I have so many questions,” Hearn said. “If you think you’ve seen a car crash so far, wait till you see me in front of him. It would be like taking candy from a baby.”

He made it clear White will only appear if Matchroom allows it.