How did Jaron Ennis land himself in such a situation? Reason and logic both defy the mind. The American champion eyeing a blockbuster return home might now have to cross the Atlantic and fight on Ukrainian soil after his team lost the purse bid. That’s not how Eddie Hearn imagined the situation to pan out. But here we are, and he is already facing the brunt for mishandling it.
After tabling multiple but unsuccessful offers to Brian Norman Jr. for a title fight, Matchroom Boxing had to give in to the IBF’s mandatory challenger, Karen Chukhadzhian. The British promotion was trying to avoid the fight, as Boots had already handed a comprehensive defeat to Chukhadzhian, 28, last January. However, it eventually resulted in a situation where P2M-Box Promotion won the purse bid, edging out Matchroom Boxing by $500,000. What’s the result of it all?
It means either Ennis, 27, goes to the European country for a fight, which has no allure, or gives up the title and moves up to 154, where Terence Crawford is already making inroads. Rick Glaser blasted Hearn, 45, for putting his marquee fighter in such a situation. He called the whole scenario a comical scene.
The New York resident turned to his X handle and wrote, “This is pure comedy, especially after all #EddieHearn said about #BrianNormanJr!!!! Eddie lost sight of the end game, now it looks like #BootsEnnis will have to go to the #Ukraine to defend his #IBF 147 title, or give it up & move to 154. In truth, Eddie’s spead way too thin, & only has yes man around him. And this is what happens. #Boxing.”
This is pure comedy, especially after all #EddieHearn said about #BrianNormanJr!!!! Eddie lost sight of the end game, now it looks like #BootsEnnis will have to go to the #Ukraine to defend his #IBF 147 title, or give it up & move to 154.
In truth, Eddie’s spead way too thin, &… https://t.co/RWqr7yEjvO— Rick Glaser (@RealRickGlaser1) September 3, 2024
Ennis, at 32-0, might mull over the possibility of relinquishing his title and move up, as he is only getting a purse of $1.3M. His team might also have concerns about the gate and PPV numbers, too. Hearn has already dropped a hint.
Jaron ‘Ennis’ Boots to drop the title?
In a conversation with Matchroom Boxing, Hearn was dismissive of the IBF’s action. Heaping praise on Chukhadzhian, at 24-2, he said, “Listen, the kid’s good fighter. ‘Boots’ has already beaten him. The IBF have got to stop this, they’re ruining boxing.”
The British promoter then continued, “We may vacate the belt. And we may do something different.” It remains to be seen whether Ennis will move up and whether his frame will allow him to adjust to the weight. What’s more? The 154-pound division is already a complicated landscape with ‘Bud’ in it.
What do you make of this comment by Rick Glaser? Do you agree with his assessment of Eddie Hearn and Jaron ‘Ennis’ Boots? Let us know in the comments below.
The post “This Is Pure Comedy”: Boxing Insider Blasts Eddie Hearn for “Losing Sight” As Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ Faces a Tough Choice appeared first on EssentiallySports.
