Eddie Hearn did not hide his irritation when discussing calls from TKO and Zuffa executives seeking involvement in the proposed Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury event. Rather than welcoming the interest, Hearn accused the company of trying to attach itself to a fight Matchroom helped put together.
He revealed during an interview that senior TKO and Zuffa figures contacted him about participating in the promotion. His response was immediate.
“I said, ‘No. What have you got to do with it?’ By the way, you’ve already come out saying you’re the promoter. You’re not the promoter. ‘Oh yeah, but it’d be really big if we were involved.’ No. What is spiraling out of control here?” Hearn said to iFL TV.
Hearn stressed that Matchroom negotiated Joshua’s side of the agreement and questioned why he would hand a direct competitor a role in what he called the biggest fight of his promotional career.
“They’re trying to do something with Zuffa. They’re trying to gain some credibility. They’re trying to be part of big fights. This is a leg up for them to try and be involved in a fight they have nothing to do with. I ain’t going to give that leg up. Why would I allow my biggest competitor to be part of the biggest fight I’ve ever been involved with that has absolutely nothing to do with them?” Hearn said.
Hearn also identified Dana White as Matchroom’s biggest competitor, comparing the situation to Turki Alalshikh asking White to let Matchroom promote one of the UFC’s marquee events. He argued White would never accept that arrangement.
Discussions continue about moving Joshua vs. Fury from Britain to New York, but Hearn drew a firm line regarding TKO’s participation. He said the location can still be discussed if the financial terms change, but TKO or Zuffa joining the promotion is a “non-starter” and “non-negotiable.”
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Last Updated on 2026/08/06 at 6:29 PM
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