Eddie Hearn wants Anthony Joshua celebrated as the patriot who rejected millions to keep his Tyson Fury fight in Britain. It is a stirring sales pitch, although it skips over the weeks spent establishing how much a move to New York would need to pay.
Joshua originally signed for a UK fight. When organizers pushed Madison Square Garden, Hearn submitted an addendum seeking revised financial terms because American taxes would reduce Joshua’s net earnings. Travel, media obligations, and outstanding payments were also discussed.
Hearn now says Joshua had two offers in front of him after the American financial package was worked out.
“We set out some terms where it might be able to agree. The money that we discussed ultimately probably was deliverable, was agreed. Anthony turned around to me with the two offers on the table and said, ‘No, I just want to stick to the original contract. I want to do this fight in the UK.’ Anthony Joshua could have taken many millions more to do the fight in America. That is why the fight will not be taking place in America, because Anthony Joshua is not a sellout,” said Hearn to iFL TV.
That final line is wonderfully theatrical. Joshua rejected more money, but only after Hearn had submitted terms for moving the fight to America and received indications that the requested package was deliverable.
Joshua was not indifferent to money. He considered the enhanced American offer and then decided it was less valuable than fighting at home. Remaining in Britain also protects Joshua’s commercial relationship with the audience that built him. Taking the largest all-British heavyweight fight to New York for a larger purse risked angering supporters who will help sustain his value after boxing.
Keeping the event under its original UK agreement also leaves Dana White and Zuffa Boxing outside the promotion, an outcome Hearn plainly will not regret. White and Nick Khan pushed for Madison Square Garden and tried persuading Joshua to accept the switch.
British fans have not won everything. Hearn is willing to accept a main event beginning around 1 a.m. to give Netflix a stronger American viewing window. The crowd gets Cardiff, but overseas viewers still receive the convenient hour.
Hearn also dismissed November 28, telling iFL TV interviewer Kugan Cassius, “I think you need new sources.” He advised supporters not to book anything before the official announcement.
Cardiff remains an option rather than a completed deal. Hearn said confirmation of a UK fight may arrive within the next week.
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Last Updated on 2026/09/16 at 11:28 AM
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