Story perspectives

Hearn Pushes Joshua Tax Offset to Keep UK Fury Bout

9/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Eddie Hearn is negotiating to keep the Anthony Joshua–Tyson Fury heavyweight bout in the United Kingdom.
Organizers have proposed Madison Square Garden on November 20, 2026, as the venue and date.
Hearn’s addendum seeks a purse increase for Joshua to offset a 37% U.S. federal tax and 14.7% New York tax.
If the fight moves to the United States, each fighter could earn $100 million, with Joshua losing about $50 million to taxes.
Hearn warned the deadline to finalize terms is this week.

History

Historical Context

The 1971 “Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden drew worldwide attention and set a financial precedent. Promoter Don King secured a $2.5 million purse for each fighter, while New York State imposed a 14% tax and the federal government levied 30%. Eddie Hearn’s 2026 negotiations echo that era, demanding a tax-adjusted purse for Anthony Joshua as the fight threatens relocation to the United States. If the bout moves abroad, fighters could each net $100 million, but Joshua may forfeit roughly $50 million to U.S. taxes, reshaping future boxing contracts.

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Story summary

Eddie Hearn is negotiating to keep the Anthony Joshua–Tyson Fury heavyweight bout in the United Kingdom.
Organizers have proposed Madison Square Garden on November 20, 2026, as the venue and date.
Hearn’s addendum seeks a purse increase for Joshua to offset a 37% U.S. federal tax and 14.7% New York tax.
If the fight moves to the United States, each fighter could earn $100 million, with Joshua losing about $50 million to taxes.
Hearn warned the deadline to finalize terms is this week.

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