Hearn Claims TKO Paid For Tyson Fury Story Reposts

“Firstly, that’s a plant,” Hearn said after revealing that BoxingScene reporter Lance Pugmire had contacted him about an email he received. “It was sent by TKO to journalists. I actually was told by a number of people that they’re financially incentivizing people to repost Tyson Fury’s story of him trying to spin the narrative. It’s absolutely wild what’s going on.”

Hearn then disputed how the circulated document had been presented.

“The email that was sent was an email between Matchroom and Sela detailing outstanding points that we want resolved. The addendum that was sent to Sela regarding the changes that we want to the contract if you want to do the fight in the US did not have one of those things from that leaked email in.”

Selective Leak or Paid Campaign?

At least two media outlets obtained the disputed information. Hearn named Pugmire, while The Sun stated that it was among several media organizations given the material. No complete list of recipients has been made public.

That reinforces Hearn’s contention that the email was circulated selectively, though it falls well short of proving that reporters received financial incentives. Providing favorable information to selected reporters is a familiar tactic during a contentious negotiation. Pugmire’s possession of the material only shows that someone wanted its contents made public. It does not reveal who sent it directly or establish that money changed hands.

The distinction between the email and the addendum is also central to Hearn’s defense. He maintains that the leaked correspondence covered unresolved business between Matchroom and Sela, while the addendum contained separate terms required for moving Joshua vs Fury from Britain to the United States.

Until Hearn produces evidence, the alleged paid media campaign remains hearsay. Obtaining a leaked document is not proof that a reporter was rewarded for publicizing it.