Anthony Joshua Turned Down $10 Million to Let TKO Promote Fury Fight, Says Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua refused an offer reportedly worth $10 million on top of his purse to let TKO Group, the parent company of UFC and WWE, promote his highly anticipated fight against Tyson Fury in the United States. This was revealed by Eddie Hearn during an appearance on Uncrowned’s The Ariel Helwani Show.

Joshua insisted that the bout, set for December 11, must honor the terms of his current contract by taking place in the UK without any promotional involvement from TKO.

Dispute Over Promotional Rights Fuels Tensions

The refusal lies at the center of a growing conflict between Matchroom chairman Hearn and UFC CEO Dana White, who is eager to have a role in promoting the fight.

Hearn explained that someone close to Joshua’s team was approached with a formal proposal from TKO to be the lead promoter for the event. He suggested that TKO’s eagerness to pay so much signals their need to prove that Zuffa Boxing, a venture launched in January, has been successful.

Hearn criticized Zuffa Boxing’s performance since its launch, pointing out the lack of scheduled shows in the US for the latter months of the year, which weakens the company’s case to shareholders.

"They need to be front and center of 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.’ That’s why they offered AJ a load of money to let them do it. This is desperation," said Hearn.

Fight Confirmation Complicated by Netflix Press Release

The fight was officially confirmed two weeks ago, ending years of anticipation. But just days later, problems arose after Netflix issued a press release mentioning Dana White’s promotional involvement, something Hearn said would breach the agreement.

"When that press release went out, obviously s*** hit the fan. Because it’s like, you do understand that this would be a breach of the agreement," Hearn said.

Netflix distanced themselves by claiming the promotion deal was not theirs to make, adding to the confusion and putting the fight at risk. Saudi Arabia’s SELA also got involved, insisting TKO would promote the fight and be part of the press conference, which Hearn strongly opposed.

White’s Role Still Up in the Air

Even after Joshua rejected the $10 million offer, both Netflix and SELA appeared reluctant to accept the decision. Hearn managed to keep Dana White out of the kickoff press conference and off the official promoter list, which many fans saw as a major victory for Joshua.

Still, Hearn left open the possibility of White’s involvement if it benefits Joshua and Matchroom but made clear that talks can’t start while the ongoing media battle continues.

"Five or six weeks ago, [White] was expected to say, ‘I understand there’s a clause in the contract that means we can’t be involved promotionally. I’m going to reach out to Eddie and Matchroom. We’re going to have a sit-down because people want us involved in the fight,’ but he wouldn’t say it," Hearn said.

Instead, White has maintained his claim as a promoter of the fight, recently stating UFC would handle the event’s production, which Hearn denies. This back-and-forth suggests the dispute is far from over.

Hearn Ready for Showdown with White

Many would welcome seeing Hearn and White face off publicly, especially Hearn himself. Known for his sharp wit, Hearn believes he would dominate White in a press conference showdown.

"I don’t have an issue with Dana White being at the fight week 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. You can’t just ask me one question like Max Kellerman did. If you think you’ve seen a car crash so far, wait till I get in front of him," Hearn said.

He concluded by emphasizing that White’s presence will only happen if they allow it.