The idea that White personally contacted MSG to discuss available dates also drew ridicule.
“I very much doubt that Dana White called MSG and started talking about their availability. If he did, I didn’t know he was a venue booker, right? He came out, and he said, ‘I’m the promoter of the fight.’ No chance. He came out, and he said, ‘I did the deal for the fight.’ No, you didn’t,” said Hearn to iFL TV.
His anger intensified while discussing White’s claim that he handled the venue arrangement. Hearn insists Madison Square Garden cannot be confirmed until Matchroom and Joshua accept changes to their existing agreement.
“You didn’t do the venue deal because there’s no agreement on the venue, mate. I should be suing Dana White for even going to MSG and having those conversations.”
During the interview, Hearn identified Turki Alalshikh, Netflix and Madison Square Garden among the parties favoring New York. Fury (36-2-1, 25 KOs) has agreed to fight there, leaving Joshua’s side as the main obstacle to moving the event from Britain.
That resistance is negotiable. Hearn is willing to consider an American date if revised terms benefit Joshua (30-4, 27 KOs), Matchroom or fighters he represents. He also claims TKO has requested permission to participate in the event.
The disagreement extends beyond national pride. Hearn promoted Fury-Joshua as a British stadium fight for years, but his willingness to discuss New York shows that Matchroom can be persuaded to approve the move.
Contract language provides his leverage. Hearn maintains that organizers are obligated to stage the fight in Britain. Relocation would require Matchroom’s approval and a signed amendment.
White may have helped advance the New York proposal, but he cannot confirm Madison Square Garden or define TKO’s role by himself. Joshua’s side must first agree to the new terms.
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