‘Why Can’t These Promoters Get the Big Fights On?’: Eddie Hearn Criticized by Fans as Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, Canelo, & Joshua Buatsi Plans Breaks the Internet

Published 02/22/2023, 3:00 PM EST
The boxing scene is usually lit with news from the Heavyweight or lower divisions. But occasionally, an update from the Light Heavyweight knocks on the door to reveal that it is about to burst at the seams. The kind of talent it holds is undoubtedly a mouthwatering proposition for all die-hard fans. However, instances in the past have shown that despite what many fans would like to see as the best combination to fight inside the ring, the chances of its fruition coming to naught gradually follows. Even the words of promoters like Eddie Hearn fail to enthuse fans’ spirits.
Eddie Hearn is hopeful for Bivol vs. Beterbiev bout
It’s a fight that finds a mention in every fan’s bucket list besides the usual Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua. Of course, the perennial favorite, Terence Crawford versus Errol Spence Jr. As much as a flicker of hope appears, dark clouds of uncertainty looms over the Dmitry Bivol and Artur Bivol fight.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Eddie Hearn, Boxing Promoter and Chairman of Matchroom, smiles as he speaks to the media during the Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora Press Conference on November 09, 2021, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Reportedly Hearn has displayed a keenness on Bivol and Beterbiev face-off. However, an apprehension of the latter not being available during the holy month of Ramadan seems to have forced the forty-three-year-old promoter to check out other alternatives.
talkSPORT’s online boxing editor Michael Benson shared a message yesterday. It read, “Eddie Hearn has revealed that he is in talks to potentially make Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles in June in Abu Dhabi. However, there are also talks for Bivol vs Joshua Buatsi, followed by the Canelo Alvarez rematch in September.”
Rather than raising any hopes, Hearn’s statements have helped raise dormant concerns and views of fans and followers.
Fans and followers speak their mind
@OnionRingsFroch pulled no punches in calling everyone involved good-for-nothings, barring Artur Beterbiev. After all, the latter recently defeated the most skillful Light Heavyweights of our times, Anthony Yarde.
@Lewissu123 toed a similar line of thought. He reckoned whether Beterbiev was being sacrificed to advance the careers of Bivol, Canelo, and Buatsi. By the time the latter three are done fighting each other, the former, who is thirty-eight, would be too old to fight!
@moomoo_captain laid it on the line. Fans and followers are barely interested in watching a fight between Bivol and Buatsi. The promoters should understand the sentiments and organize battles involving big names.
@SGB798 minced no words and blamed Hearn for talking about big fights but rarely let them happen. All he does is get the best fighters in his roster to face aging boxers way past their prime.
@PaulyFu63688695 wondered if Joshua Buatsi is the red herring to lure in Beterbiev for a low-priced fight. So if the Russian refuses to fight at a price, Hearn can always spread the talk that he demands way too much for the contest!
@Ranbulz550 lamented that Eddie Hearn has turned into a good old double-dealing automobile salesperson. So he prefers keeping the good pieces out for everyone to see while decking up scrap pieces in the shadows. All the while, the rate on installments would be skyrocketing.
@ConveryScunner said what most boxing fans believe in. A match between Beterbiev and Bivol warrants similar respect to the fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Hence these big fights are critical for infusing a fresh lease of life into boxing.
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Additionally, Hearn seems keen on a rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol, possibly by September. But then, while it may benefit Buatsi, the question of a belt unification might persist for the division per se.
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What is your take on the above reactions? Do share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.