Eddie Hearn rejects TKO and Zuffa involvement in Joshua vs Fury

Eddie Hearn has refused to allow TKO or Zuffa to participate in the promotion of the upcoming fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. The Matchroom promoter stated that he rejected direct contact from senior executives at these companies who sought a role in the event.

Hearn expressed frustration regarding the interest shown by the rival entities. He argued that TKO and Zuffa are attempting to gain credibility by attaching themselves to a major fight that Matchroom has organized. He noted that while these companies have claimed to be promoters, they currently have no connection to the negotiations.

Matchroom handled the negotiations for Anthony Joshua's side of the agreement. Hearn questioned the logic of granting a direct competitor a position in what he described as the most significant fight of his career. He characterized the interest from TKO as an attempt to gain a foothold in a project they did not help build.

In comparing the competitive landscape, Hearn identified Dana White as his primary rival. He suggested that the current situation is similar to a scenario where Turki Alalshikh would ask White to permit Matchroom to promote a major UFC event, an arrangement he believes would never be granted.

While the location of the bout remains a subject of discussion, including the possibility of moving the fight from Britain to New York, the promotional structure is set. Hearn indicated that while financial terms might change the venue, the inclusion of TKO or Zuffa in the promotion is non-negotiable and will not happen.