In the recent fallout of the boxing world, Eddie Hearn has created ripples with staunch criticism, particularly aimed at Top Rank’s promotion of boxer Shakur Stevenson. The Matchroom Boxing CEO also vocalized his strong support for Manny Pacquiao, stating emphatically that he deserves a title shot against Mario Barrios.
Eddie Hearn, a dominant figure in the boxing world with a reputation for getting straight to the point, didn’t mince his words when expressing his discontent with Top Rank’s promotional set-up for the young American star, Shakur Stevenson. “I’ve felt for a long time that Stevenson is seriously under-promoted,” Hearn stated. “He’s a massive talent and they just aren’t pulling their weight.”
Stevenson, a former WBO featherweight champion and 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist, signed with Top Rank in 2017. Despite his accolades and solid potential, Hearn asserted that Top Rank’s promotional efforts have failed to elevate Stevenson’s reputation to the standard he deserves.
His criticism of Top Rank then turned to the perceived mismatch in the promotion of Stevenson compared with the rival promotional company’s handling of other boxers. In comparison, Hearn lauded his promotional company, Matchroom Boxing, touting their success in building the global profiles of many boxers over the years.
Hearn’s criticism didn’t stop at Top Rank, however. The British promoter also had words for the WBA, insisting that Manny Pacquiao deserves a title match against the WBA ‘regular’ Super Lightweight champion Mario Barrios. Pacquiao, a legend in the world of boxing, had been the WBA’s ‘super’ welterweight champion until he was recently downgraded to ‘champion in recess’ due to inactivity.
Pacquiao’s downgrade has caused quite a stir in the boxing community, with many arguing that the acclaimed Filipino fighter should be granted an immediate shot at the title rather than having to prove himself again. “The WBA’s decision to demote Manny Pacquiao is absolutely disappointing,” Hearn stated emphatically. “Manny doesn’t need to prove anything. He deserves a title shot against Barrios straight away.”
He further added, “Pacquiao’s legacy in the boxing world is undisputed. There’s no doubt in my mind that he deserves his shot at the title.”
Hearn’s comments have sparked much debate in boxing circles, with mixed reactions from fans and insiders. Some side with Hearn, arguing that Top Rank needs to step up its promotional game. Others, however, counter that the promotion of Stevenson is just one piece of the puzzle and that Hearn’s criticism may be misguided.
In the case of Pacquiao, opinions seem more divided, with some arguing that his extensive career should afford him certain privileges, while others insist that inactivity should indeed impact his status.
Ultimately, whether or not Eddie Hearn’s views on the promotional strategies of Top Rank and the WBA bear any weight, his outspoken nature continues to make waves in the boxing world. In this age of various social media, and diverse marketing strategies, the influence of promotion on a boxer’s career has never been more critical. The saga of Stevenson’s promotion and Manny’s title shot thus provides a gripping narrative for the ever-enthralling world of boxing.
