TKO/Zuffa proposes 400 million dollar contract to Joshua

The parent company of the UFC, known as TKO/Zuffa Boxing, is reported to have proposed a contract worth 400 million dollars to boxer Anthony Joshua in the first quarter of 2026. The proposal, driven by UFC president Dana White and TKO's president, Nick Khan, was made without the knowledge of Joshua's longtime promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing.

Joshua rejects the offer outright

Anthony Joshua reportedly rejected the 400 million dollar offer immediately without entering negotiations. He informed his promoter, Eddie Hearn, of the situation, and Hearn later acknowledged the approach, though the exact details of the offer had not been confirmed publicly.

Joshua's long-term contract with Matchroom

Joshua signed a promotion agreement with Matchroom Boxing in September 2021, covering his entire career. This contract has been the foundation of his career, and breaking it to accept a nine-figure offer from a rival organization would have been a major shift in the boxing world.

Joshua's financial position

Anthony Joshua is estimated to have a personal fortune of 240 million pounds sterling (320 million dollars) as of early 2026. Despite his financial stability, the 400 million dollar offer from TKO/Zuffa is described as unprecedented in the sport.

Separate offer for Fury-Joshua fight

In addition to the TKO/Zuffa proposal, Joshua reportedly received a separate offer of 10 million pounds sterling to commit to a fight against Tyson Fury at Madison Square Garden. This amount is unrelated to the TKO/Zuffa deal.

Ticket sales and fight revenue

Dana White has discussed the expected cost for fans attending the Fury-Joshua fight. If ticket sales reach 34 million dollars, the event would rank fourth in the history of the sport's highest-grossing fights, behind Mayweather-Pacquiao, Mayweather-McGregor, and Canelo-Crawford.

Zuffa continues to build its roster

Zuffa Boxing, a joint venture between Dana White and Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh, continues to build its roster regardless of Joshua's decision. Conor Benn signed a new multi-fight agreement with Zuffa on April 17, 2026, following a split with Matchroom in February 2026.

Benn's recent fight and earnings

Conor Benn earned approximately 11.19 million pounds sterling (15 million dollars) from his victory over Regis Prograis in April 2026. The fight, held in Tottenham, was a unanimous decision win at a middleweight of 150 pounds (68 kg).

Benn's future in boxing

Dana White confirmed the extension of Benn's contract, noting it is based on an initial single-fight agreement. Benn, son of former world champion Nigel Benn, is now positioned for potential fights with welterweight champion Ryan Garcia.