Boxing promoter extraordinaire, Eddie Hearn has recently let himself loose on the Haney vs Martin bout, expressing his unabashed opinions on the state of boxing today. The world-famous promoter has set the sports world abuzz by suggesting that rising talents like Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson should be more prominent than they currently are.
Hearn, known for his unwavering candor, is never far from controversy. Thisweek, he elaborately discussed how fighters like Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Shakur Stevenson are repeatedly falling under the radar, something he believes should not be happening considering their talent and potential.
The outspoken promoter described how the boxing industry needs to recognize and harness the potential of these up-and-coming fighters more diligently. Bringing up the recently concluded Haney vs Martin fight, Hearn highlighted the disparity between the substance of the match and its promotion.
“Haney vs Martin! Says Gervonta & Shakur should be bigger stars!” stated Hearn, expressing what he referred to as ‘bad choices in managing fighter careers’. He argued that these rising stars are not gaining the exposure they merit and instead, matches of lesser substance get disproportionate attention.
Davis, a professional boxer since 2013, has dazzling credentials and is well-respected in the boxing community. Known for his remarkable punching power, Davis has regularly been recognized as one of the most promising stars of boxing. On the other hand, Stevenson, who entered professional boxing in 2016 after a successful amateur career that included a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, has talent and charisma that are undeniable. But to Hearn’s point, mainstream recognition has largely eluded these boxers. Carefully managed career paths, he asserted, but the emphasis on making lucrative deals rather than prioritizing top-level competition is a main factor behind this.
Hearn GOES OFF on the current trend, stating bluntly that this focus on immediate profit is short-changing both the fighters and the fans. With rising talents like Davis and Stevenson, boxing has a bright future. But Hearn pointed out that it can only happen if the industry alters its trajectory and focuses more on promoting quality fights that showcase the brightest talents.
Going beyond just pointing out the issues, Hearn emphasized the need for tangible steps. He described how promoters need to look beyond short-term gains and strategize for the long term. Investing in the right fights and promoting lesser-known talents will help bring boxing back to its golden days, he opines.
While Hearn’s viewpoints are controversial, they certainly make for an engaging conversation. After all, the future of boxing relies not just on the fighters’ talent, but also on the promotion and management that equips these rising stars to shine in the boxing universe.
As Hearn’s statements reverberate through the industry, they invite introspection. Boxing promoters, managers and fans alike must consider their role in evolving the landscape of the sport for the future. Ultimately, stars like Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson deserve to be heralded, and their matches welcomed with the anticipation befitting such talent. The Haney vs Martin debate is a testament to how talent alone isn’t enough – proper management and promotional strategies are equally vital for the future of boxing.
Eddie Hearn has thrown down the gauntlet. The question is, will the industry pick it up?
