Fans Rip Hearn For Wrecking Ennis’ Career

Fans have accused Eddie Hearn of harming Jaron Ennis’ career. 

Ennis is the current IBF Welterweight Champion, who made the first defense of his belt by stopping David Avanesyan in his last fight. That was his first fight under Matchroom Boxing, as Hearn targeted major fights for his boxer. Hearn was intent on making a unification as talks started with WBO Welterweight Champion Brian Norman Jr. Those conversations did not go well as both camps blamed each other for the fight not happening.

Hearn revealed that several offers were sent out, the highest of which was reportedly $1.7 million. This was more than what Norman Jr. had made compared to his other purses. However, Norman Jr.’s team were allegedly requesting $2.2 million. Their reasoning may have been because they both were full champion’s once Terence Crawford moved up to 154, thus on a level playing field. 

Hearn’s Criticism

The IBF has also made things more complicated. They ordered Ennis to face Karen Chukhadzhian. This is a rematch of last year’s clash, which Ennis won by a unanimous decision. Purse bids were held for the fight on September 3. Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing lost out by $250,000 at the hands of Chukhadzhian’s promoter. That has major implications moving forward. 

Ennis could end up defending his title away from home, which may impact the judging and the overall purse he receives. It will also make Ennis decide whether he wants to defend the belt. If he refuses, he could end up being stripped, paving the way for a move up to 154. Norman Jr.’s father, Brian Norman Sr.’ has slammed Hearn over his behavior in the negotiations. 

Norman Sr. Reacts

“Eddie Hearn is a snake. He lied in a recent article, saying we called him back asking if it was too late to take the offer and that we had remorse. The only reason it was heard of is because we got offended by saying we turned it down, and that’s what started all of this. Eddie did not want the fight. I don’t even think Eddie wanted to promote a fight in November. 

“Eddie didn’t want to spend no money. Eddie wanted to lose that purse bid [for Boots Ennis vs. Karen Chukhadzhian]. Now, he’s going to try to get Boots to move up [to 154], drop the [IBF 147-lb] belt and do some other [stuff]. It’s about what Eddie wants. It ain’t about what Boots wants,”  Norman Sr. said 

Hearn Needs To Act

If Boots moves up to 154, he will likely face the big names. Bouts are possible with Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Tim Tszyu, who are currently without world titles. Wins over them could pave the way for a title shot at 154. There is the big Terence Crawford fight, who holds the WBA belt.

Sebastian Fundora is also the WBO and WBC champion. Meanwhile, Tszyu will box IBF Junior Middleweight Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev on October 19. Getting those fights will be tough, putting the pressure on Hearn, who has received mass backlash from boxing fans. 

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