“Our only demand is the payment of outstanding funds,” Hearn explained to iFL TV. “I would prefer not to delve deeply into the specifics right now, as that belongs to a different discussion. We are dealing with a substantial sum. There will be a more appropriate moment to address it. We aren’t demanding any fresh terms; our sole focus is ensuring the commitments in our agreement are fulfilled.”
Revisiting the matter as he detailed the prerequisites for Joshua to agree to a venue shift, Hearn pointed out that relocating the bout to America would result in a heavier tax burden for Joshua, necessitating an adjusted payout to offset the extra costs.
The promoter went on to state that Matchroom anticipates the settlement of all overdue balances, subsequently noting that these funds might be due to Joshua personally instead of his promotional agency.
When pressed by the interviewer on whether Joshua had actually been paid his purse for the Prenga matchup, Hearn avoided a direct confirmation or denial, characterizing the issue as a private contract detail to be resolved down the road.
This evasiveness keeps a crucial aspect of the conflict up in the air. Although Hearn contested claims that Matchroom’s outstanding bills from separate shows are being utilized as bargaining chips in the Fury talks, he stopped short of denying that Joshua is still anticipating his own payment.
With Sela requesting that Joshua give up his contractly guaranteed UK venue in favor of a New York showdown, Matchroom has clear justification to insist on more secure financial guarantees before agreeing to any relocation, especially if the fighter has not been fully compensated for his prior bout.
According to Hearn, the proposed contract amendment covers tax offsets alongside provisions for travel, press credentials, and promotional scheduling. At the time the interview was conducted, Sela had not yet provided a reply.
The unresolved question surrounding the Prenga fight purse exists separately from the leaked Matchroom demands. As long as Hearn refrains from confirming that Joshua has been paid in full, his persistent mentions of unpaid dues will cast a shadow over the ongoing negotiations for the Fury fight.
