Hearn Tells Norman Jr. To Take The Ennis Fight – ‘There’s Money, Show Ambition’
Eddie Hearn has urged Brian Norman Jr. to fight Jaron Ennis following the latter’s win over Eimantas Stanionis.
Ennis unified the welterweight divison after stopping Stanionis to become the IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine Welterweight Champion. Ennis was in talks to face Norman Jr. previously. However, reports indicated the fight broke down after Norman Jr.’s team demanded too much money. In his post-fight comments, Ennis said Norman Jr.’s team are using his name for clout. He referenced how Norman Jr. turned down a seven-figure payday to fight for $150,000 instead. Hearn has now told the WBO Welterweight Champion to take the fight.
Hearn Reacts
“Guys like Brian Norman and all these guys. With all due respect to Brian Norman, he just boxed for about $150,000 on the undercard of Mikaela Mayer vs Sandy Ryan at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. If we go back to the Wells Fargo now to unify again, (Boots) will fill the whole place, 18-19,000, unquestionably. So there’s money in the pot but you’ve got to show ambition as well. That kind of payday to fight the very best in the sport and prove yourself as a P4P great. So stop with Twitter, stop with Instagram, grow a set of balls and come be in one of the biggest fights in the sport…Let’s make it happen,” Hearn said
The problem Ennis faces is that Norman Jr. will still want the same amount of money, as previously requested as he is still a champion. However, Ennis’ stock has risen considerably. He has three belts to his name, compared to Norman’s one. This includes the Ring Magazine Belt, which is considered to represent the best fighter in the division. However, Norman Jr.’s team may not get many chances to unify a division.
They also know that Ennis has the chance to face Mario Barrios, who is the WBC Welterweight Champion. Barrios has been targeting a mega fight with Manny Pacquiao amid rumors the latter could come out of retirement. That would earn Barrios his biggest payday. While it would be a big name on his resume, Pacman is no longer at his peak.
Complications
Facing Ennis secures him a lucrative and legacy-defining fight, as Ennis aims to position himself to secure the mega bouts. However, there is one issue. Shakhram Giyasov is mandatory for Ennis’ WBA belt. Giyasov already agreed to step aside once to allow Stanionis to make the Ennis fight. It may prove problematic to get Giyasov to step aside again, as title shots don’t come around too often.
“I think [Ennis] could go on a fast run, but we’ve Giyasov as his mandatory. That’s an issue because he stepped aside for this one. And we represent [Giyasov]. So, yeah, it’s not just as easy as, ‘Wait over there, mate.
“He’s already stepped aside for this one. And I know Shakhram’s a fighter. He did this for us and he did this because he knew it was a great fight. But after this, he’s gonna say, ‘No, no. My time now.’ Do you know what I mean? Which is understandable. So, we’ll see,” Hearn stated
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