“I’m not really interested in standing in a room and everybody putting their hands in the middle and saying, ‘Yeah, here we are. We’re at peace. We’re moving forward,’ because then when you leave the room, everybody starts over anyway,” Hearn told the media.
Hearn compares the situation to “a real war negotiation,” suggesting that the differences of opinion between boxing’s rival promoters and organizations are unlikely to disappear after a single meeting. He added that while he respects Alalshikh and will listen to what he has to say, he doubts the gathering will bring about lasting change.
The Matchroom chairman also made it clear that he has no desire to renegotiate the existing agreement for a potential Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury fight. According to Hearn, the contract already reflects the terms his side negotiated, and any changes would require Joshua’s approval.
“The contract is very clear on so many different levels,” Hearn said. “The only way things can change in the contract is if Anthony Joshua and I agree to change it.”
Hearn said it would be easier to continue the fight under the current deal, provided Joshua defeats Kristian Prenga on July 25. Until then, he sees little reason to renegotiate anything.
Although Hearn acknowledged Alalshikh’s desire to unite boxing’s competing interests, his comments indicate that he expects business matches to continue long after the meeting ends. He even joked that, immediately after Saturday’s event, his mood was less than diplomatic.
“Right now I’m thinking, ‘F*** off,'” Hearn said with a laugh. “Maybe tomorrow I’ll go: ‘Oh, I’ll see you there.'”
