Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn disclosed Saturday, September 5, 2026, that TKO, a key entity in the ongoing negotiations, presented British boxing star Anthony Joshua with a stringent 90-minute deadline. The ultimatum demanded Joshua accept an offer for additional money to relocate his highly anticipated clash against Tyson Fury to the United States.
This aggressive move has further complicated an already contentious saga over the fight’s venue.
Hearn reveals TKO’s dirty game tactic
Hearn, speaking to DAZN and The Stomping Ground, strongly condemned the tactic. He labeled the direct approach to Anthony Joshua as a “dirty, dirty game,” emphasizing that TKO bypassed Matchroom, Joshua’s official promotional company. The swift deadline left virtually no room for the boxer or his team to properly review terms.
The promoter pulled no punches when detailing TKO’s alleged actions. Eddie Hearn accused the group of attempting to circumvent established protocols by approaching Anthony Joshua directly. This occurred without consulting Matchroom, a move that significantly strains the relationship between the involved parties.
Hearn stated, “Yesterday, TKO went around the back again to try and offer Joshua money to do the fight in America.” He added that such a strategy was designed to force an immediate decision, bypassing legitimate negotiation channels. This conduct is viewed as particularly egregious given the high stakes of a potential London fight location.
The Matchroom chairman expressed bewilderment at TKO’s approach, considering its public profile. “What are you doing?” Hearn questioned. “You guys are on the New York Stock Exchange. What is this? Just coming around the back trying to bung someone a few quid.”
He argued this behavior was counterproductive, potentially pushing the fight further from realization. Hearn warned that this tactic could jeopardize the entire event rather than securing a desired outcome. Such actions, he believes, demonstrate a disregard for the sport’s professional standards.
The 90-Minute Deadline and its Implications
The core of Hearn’s accusation revolves around the incredibly tight 90-minute window TKO allegedly imposed. Such a brief period would make it practically impossible for Anthony Joshua to properly consider revised terms, consult legal counsel, or assess the financial repercussions of abandoning his agreement for a British venue.
While TKO has not disclosed the exact financial figure offered, it was clearly substantial enough to prompt such an aggressive deadline. The implied intent was to present a “large number” that might tempt Joshua to reconsider his preference for Wembley Stadium and his home support. Hearn underscored this sentiment by stating, “You can’t buy everybody.”
The demand effectively sought to override existing contractual agreements that protect Joshua’s desire to fight in Britain. This puts significant pressure on an athlete to make a snap decision with long-term consequences. It also highlights the lengths some entities will go to secure their preferred logistical arrangements.
Deterioration of Negotiations
TKO’s alleged direct approach and short deadline have evidently soured relations between the negotiating teams. Hearn confirmed that his Matchroom team has formally written to TKO to address their conduct. This formal communication suggests a serious breach of typical negotiation etiquette.
The incident has, in Hearn’s view, strengthened Anthony Joshua’s resolve to keep the Tyson Fury fight in Britain. Instead of swaying him towards America, the move appears to have solidified his commitment to his home country. This unexpected outcome runs contrary to TKO’s presumed intentions.
This breakdown in trust could prolong venue discussions even further. The animosity generated by TKO’s alleged actions may make future compromises more difficult to achieve. It also casts a shadow over the transparency and fairness of the overall negotiation process.
Anthony Joshua’s Stance and Venue Battle
Anthony Joshua has consistently expressed his strong preference for the monumental clash against Tyson Fury to take place in Britain, ideally at Wembley Stadium. This desire is deeply rooted in wanting to fight before his home crowd and capitalize on the massive public support he enjoys in the UK.
Hearn noted a significant shift in the tone of venue negotiations following TKO’s maneuver. Just a week prior, he had indicated “zero interest” in London as a host city, with New York seemingly the sole contender. Now, however, Hearn reports that Sela, a key partner, has inquired about contacting London Mayor Sadiq Khan to facilitate a British event.
This pivot suggests renewed hope for UK fans who eagerly await the fight on home soil. The public outcry and Joshua’s firm stance seem to have forced a reconsideration of the initial American-centric plans. The prospect of an undisputed heavyweight title fight at Wembley remains a powerful draw.
Tyson Fury’s Reaction and Past Delays
While the venue saga unfolds, Tyson Fury has voiced his own frustrations regarding the protracted negotiations. On Instagram, Fury declared that Anthony Joshua “has shat his pants yet again,” expressing exasperation over what he described as the “fourth time in three weeks” that the fight had been called off.
Fury’s blunt comments reflect a growing impatience from both sides of the boxing world. He indicated that if the Joshua fight continued to falter, he would instead pursue a bout with Oleksandr Usyk. This demonstrates the precarious nature of these high-stakes negotiations, where delays can lead to alternative matchups.
Hall of Famer Prince Naseem Hamed has also weighed in on the protracted discussions. He argued that a fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury “makes no sense at Madison Square Garden” at this point.
Hamed further claimed the bout is “literally six or seven years too late,” highlighting a perceived decline in its overall appeal compared to earlier opportunities. The prolonged Tyson Fury calls off fight narrative has tested fan patience.
Outlook for the Joshua-Fury Mega-Fight
Despite the recent tensions, Eddie Hearn remains cautiously optimistic about the possibility of the Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury fight landing in Britain. He provided a surprisingly precise estimate to DAZN, placing the likelihood of a UK venue at 64%. He also gave a 60% estimate to The Stomping Ground, reflecting a more hopeful stance than his prior comments.
This revised probability suggests that while the aggressive tactics from TKO have created friction, they haven’t entirely derailed the prospect of a UK fight. However, the American venue, possibly Madison Square Garden in New York, still remains a contender. Broadcasters Sela and Netflix reportedly favor the US to attract a larger global audience and maximize pay-per-view revenue.
The undisclosed financial incentive offered by TKO within that 90-minute window remains a pivotal, yet unknown, factor. Its magnitude must have been significant enough to make TKO believe it could sway Anthony Joshua from his long-held desire for a home fight. The exact financial terms could still play a role in any future resolution.
Ultimately, the escalating conflict underscores the complexities inherent in orchestrating such a massive boxing event. Personal preferences, financial incentives, and promotional strategies continually clash. For now, the eagerly anticipated showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury continues to navigate a turbulent path, with the venue still far from a certainty. Observers wonder what impact this will have on Anthony Joshua’s chances in the ring.
