“I’m not really interested in standing in a room and everyone putting their hands in the middle and going, ‘Yeah, here we are. We’re at peace. We’re moving forward,’ because then when you leave the room everybody starts again anyway,” said Hearn to the media.
Hearn compared the situation to “a real-life war negotiation,” suggesting the disagreements between boxing’s competing promoters and organizations are unlikely to disappear after a single meeting. He added that while he respects Alalshikh and will listen to what he has to say, he remains doubtful that the gathering will produce lasting change.
The Matchroom chairman also made it clear he has no desire to revisit the existing agreement for a potential Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury fight. According to Hearn, the contract already reflects the terms his side negotiated, and any changes would require Joshua’s approval.
“The contract is very clear on so many different levels,” Hearn said. “The only way things can change in the contract is with Anthony Joshua and myself agreeing to change that.”
Hearn said that it would be easier to proceed with the fight under the current agreement, provided Joshua defeats Kristian Prenga on July 25. Until then, he sees little reason to renegotiate anything.
Although Hearn acknowledged Alalshikh’s desire to unite boxing’s competing interests, his comments suggest he expects business rivalries to continue long after the meeting ends. He even joked that, immediately after Saturday’s event, his mood was less than diplomatic.
“At the moment, I think, ‘F*** off,’” Hearn said with a laugh. “Maybe tomorrow I’ll go, ‘Oh, I’ll see you there.’”
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