“I said, ‘No. What have you got to do with it?’ By the way, you’ve already come out saying you’re the promoter. You’re not the promoter. ‘Oh yeah, but it’d be really big if we were involved.’ No. What is spiraling out of control here?” Hearn told IFL TV.

The Matchroom chairman believes TKO is attempting to attach itself to one of boxing’s biggest events without helping put the fight together. He also acknowledged Dana White has become his biggest promotional rival.

“They’re trying to gain some credibility. They’re trying to be part of big fights. This is a chance for them to get involved in a fight they have nothing to do with. I ain’t going to give that. Why would I allow my biggest competitor to be part of the biggest fight I’ve ever been involved with that has absolutely nothing to do with them?” Hearn said.

Hearn compared the situation to Turki Alalshikh telling White that Matchroom would promote one of the UFC’s marquee events. He argued White would refuse immediately, giving him no reason to accept the reverse arrangement.

The dispute over TKO’s involvement is separate from negotiations concerning the venue. Hearn said a move from Britain to New York remains possible if Joshua receives a significantly stronger financial package. TKO or Zuffa joining the promotion, however, remains a “non-starter” and “non-negotiable.”