Hearn Reveals Anthony Joshua Rejected Millions To Fight Fury In Britain

Eddie Hearn has disclosed that Anthony Joshua turned down offers worth many millions more to keep his proposed heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury on British soil.

The Matchroom promoter revealed that Joshua could have earned a significantly larger purse by taking the fight to the United States but chose to honour his existing contract for a UK venue.

Speaking to iFL TV, Hearn also hit back at UFC chief executive Dana White, who has been accused of attempting to get involved in the negotiations.

“Dana White has tried to get involved in a fight that he has nothing to do with,” Hearn said. “All we have ever done is say, ‘We’ve signed our contract. Just honour the contract that we’ve signed.’”

Hearn emphasised Joshua’s commitment to staging the bout at home despite the financial temptation of an American offer.

“Anthony Joshua could have taken many millions more to do the fight in America. We want the fight in Britain,” he stated.

According to Hearn, the strong response from the public on social media has reinforced Joshua’s resolve to stick to his principles.

“The support that we’ve had on social media, my social media, A.J.’s social media, has made us double down on our principles on this,” he added. “We’re not trying to hurt the fight.”

The long-awaited clash between the two British heavyweights has been dogged by negotiations over the venue, with Netflix and Saudi organisers reportedly favouring a move to the United States.