EDDIE HEARN is willing to let go of a fighter in his stable if they refuse to take what he considers to be the “right fights.”
During an interview with Boxing News, Hearn mentioned that there will be an announcement on DAZN regarding two upcoming shows. He hopes that these shows will make a statement.
One of the shows is expected to feature Michael Conlan and Jordan Gill in Belfast on December 2. Rumors suggest that the undercard will include Tyrone McKenna vs. Lewis Crocker, Caoimhin Agyarko vs. Troy Williamson, and Sean McComb vs. Sam Maxwell. These four fights have the potential to deliver an exciting night of boxing.
In his last fight, Gill, who has fought 30 times, defended his European featherweight title against Kiko Martinez but suffered four knockdowns before the fight was stopped. Gill has not fought for almost a year and would typically have an easy fight to get back in the ring, but Hearn is looking to move away from those types of fights unless they are necessary.
“Ideally, he would like an easy fight, but when you’ve fought at the top level, you don’t need eight or ten-rounders,” Hearn said.
“We’re going to be putting more pressure on fighters, their managers, trainers, and advisors to take fights that we believe are right for them and complement the card, excite fans, attract viewers, and fill seats.
“If a fighter really needs an easy fight, we’ll still do it, but we can’t have it both ways. If we’re criticized for a fight on the card because we were pushed into it by the team, it doesn’t work for us. We have a responsibility to do what’s right for fighters, but we don’t want to see Jordan Gill in an eight-rounder or a ten-rounder.”
Jordan Gill knocks out Karim Guerfi at The O2 Arena on February 27, 2022 in London, England (James Chance/Getty Images)
Hearn also discussed his unbeaten Irish super-welterweight, Caoimhin Agyarko, who has been linked to a fight against former British champion Troy Williamson. Agyarko has rarely looked like losing in his 13 fights against lesser opponents and needs a step-up to test his abilities.
“He’s ready,” Hearn said of Agyarko. “If he’s not ready now, he’ll never be ready, so you have to take a risk.
“I’ll pay for the right fights, but I won’t keep paying for meaningless fights. As a sport, we need to be more disciplined in that regard. For Jordan Gill, this fight represents his future. It’s a big fight, a big payday. If he wins, he’ll have more massive fights in the division. He should take the risk. He has nothing to lose.
“For other fighters who have had the preparation, experience, and grounding, it’s time to take some risks. I’m not saying we should gamble recklessly. If it’s a 70-30 or 60-40 matchup, don’t worry. If you’re good enough, you’ll win.
“We have to be willing to let go of fighters who are not willing to take the right fights and give the fans what they want while managing their careers properly. We need to be tougher as we move forward.”