Comments Thread For: Hearn: Joshua Wants Wilder - But He Wants The Fight in The UK

[Holler]

Problem is that Parker got a 30 to 35% split (interestingly enough, after Hearn swore he would not pay him that much). From a business perspective, you can't expect someone who has far more commercial value to take less. Some of these Hearn goons have tried to argue that with me but there is no conceivable way that a Wilder fight is worth the same as a Parker fight. Even Hearn has said this. So, 35 is honestly the minimum starting point. I wouldn't offer Wilder more than 40 though, and Wilder certainly doesn't expect more than 40, based on the more candid things I've seen him say.

I've seen Hearn dispute that percentage and also the amount he says Parker earned from the fight differs from the reports that came out. It would be interesting to know the precise structure of the deal and whether parkers percentage earnings were capped or dependent on AJ reaching a certain amount, but short of seeing the contract this just becomes speculation.

What's certain is that Hearn signalled that by holding 3 belts AJs position in the market had strengthened and henceforth that he would no longer be overpaying. That's easy to say, but what's undeniable is that of the two fighters AJ is the one with far more lucrative options and as the younger man less pressure on him to make the big fight now.

It's the relative strengths, imbalance in what each bring to the table and alternative earning capacities therefore that make me say 35 as a ceiling, because if Wilder's team were to try the line that I often see here 'if Parker got this then we should get that' then the obvious answer from Hearn is, well go out into the market and get more elsewhere, which of course, wilder can't.

Not a question of deserving, just the reality of the imbalance between them.

[Biolink]

Joshua isn't saying this. Hearn wants this.

Also read as, we want control of the promotion. Its more and more with these people. Well then they can just give Wilder a straight up fair split(30-35%) instead of also 50 million USD 50/50 and it'll be in the UK. Otherwise there's no reason for whoever's fronting the money to waste their time. Its a logical fight that has to happen. The draw was that it would've been Vegas' only super fight scheduled, since no fight has drawn up huge interest yet this year in boxing or MMA. Having said that why would Showtime front anything to them?

[Liondw]

Fight in Vegas, and if Joshua wins, then he will be a bigger name. I would put money on Wilder though, some vicious power there, though maybe not as polished a boxer as AJ, but good to be unpredictable too.

[Kris Silver]

As much as Wilder has said he'll fight either in the US or UK, Hearn and Joshua said the same.

Hearn has been saying it's about the money a fair bit, and AJ.

As a fan of that side, I actually take issue with this.

If it's more money in the US and a solid first fight in the US to build his name, why on earth not do it?

This is a cross on the long list of gripes, in the column of AJ/Hearn side on this one for me.

Although there's more on Wilders side, a spades a spade.

[Holler]

Joshua isn't saying this. Hearn wants this.

Also read as, we want control of the promotion. Its more and more with these people. Well then they can just give Wilder a straight up fair split(30-35%) instead of also 50 million 50/50 and it'll be in the UK. Otherwise there's no reason for whoever's fronting the money to waste their time. Its a logical fight that has to happen. It would've been Vegas' only super fight.

Agreed.

Although I wouldn't be surprised if AJ also wants the same thing. He's probably on a cut of the promotion side and he may have Adelaide Byrd in the back of his mind...

[Rip Chudd]

I don't understand what's so hard here? It's clear now, that the $50 Million dollar offer was real, but AJ can only get $50 million if he fights in the U.S. It's also clear that Wilder is not going to accept a $12.5 Million dollar flat-fee to fight in the UK, but he doesn't have a problem fighting in the UK! So simply give Wilder a 40% split, and make this fight happen NOW!

Exactly this^^^^^

Couldn't have said it better. This should be what every boxing fan is saying.

[WarCarter813]

First he said he'll do it for the 50 mil, then he said he don't want to "sell" his belts and now this BS! AJ is looking like the coward here! I guess the price isn't right because the right will end Ajuices run.

[Robbie Barrett]

If Wilder loses his next fight (let's be honest it could happen against any top 30 ranked fighter, he was getting outboxed by Szpilka FFS) he'll be crying about that $12.5 mil he turned down. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

[IMDAZED]

He said that immediately when the offer was made. The deal hasn't moved any closer and I think cancelling meetings and saying "we're not willing to talk until you take the offer which you're not privy to" is a big part of why.

I just don't think either side wants the fight yet - but you can't say that the offer was real unless you actually have some kind of proof, which would be extremely easy to provide if it was real. Just put the money in escrow and get the fight made.

It's that simple

He said that yesterday.

[Butch.McRae]

The **** you talking about "you guys". Unlike some I actually make up my own mind about **** on a case-by-case basis.

Frankly, as someone who claims to be a high-flying lawyer, I'm amazed that you would lack the common-ass-business sense to realise that you don't sign something unless you have seen exactly what the terms are and know that what is promised under the contract can actually be delivered - because to be honest you should have been sued for negligence and fired by now.

What part of my post mentioned signing anything? Lol Furthermore, a signature isn't necessarily required for formal contract to exist (that's a common misconception). My post pertained to the ability of Wilder's team to guarantee $50 million. Nothing more.

Fired huh? I'll be sure to let my supervisor know when I grab my bonus next week lol