Things haven’t been too encouraging for Eddie Hearn and Jaron Ennis of late. After the fallout of the much-publicized Brian Norman Jr. matchup, reportedly the Matchroom Boxing lost the purse bid for the Karen Chukhadzhian rematch. As if that was not enough, the team now had to contend with a refusal. An attempt at the 154-pound debut for ‘Boot misfired. The upcoming contender seemingly turned down the offer for being way below his expectations.

As a result of the setbacks, the team has been receiving increasing criticism. But, as it often happens in such cases, a diverging voice sometimes prompts a rethink. In this case, Alycia Baumgardner raised a few points. The undisputed super featherweight champion has yet to return to the ring since her last title defense against Christina Linardatou.

A little background for the curious

Probably, Alycia Baumgardner jumped into the fray after coming across a post from Rick Glaser. Taking up the latest news of Charles Conwell refusing to go ahead with the Matchroom offer, the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYBHOF) inductee found it ‘laughable’. He said, “Let’s get something straight. Promoter #EddieHearn made an offer to @CharlesConwell‘s team to fight #BootsEnnis that’s so low it’s laughable.“

So the veteran matchmaker suggested the low offer might have been deliberate so that Conwell and his team have no other alternative but to refuse it. This, he speculated, could create a narrative that enhances Jaron Ennis’ reputation as a fearsome fighter.

Rick Glaser emphasized, “Believe this, Charles Conwell’s afraid of no one ever! Guaranteed!” Citing ‘Ohio Runs Boxing’, ‘Fight Hook News’ tweeted, “Charles Conwell has turned down an offer to fight Jaron Boots Ennis. Due to a low offer by Eddie Hearn that felt insulting because they can make more with Golden Boy for Vergil Ortiz Jr.”

But Alycia Baumgardner believes boxers often need to go through tough choices. She herself went through such situations in the past.

Understand the deeper implications: Alycia Baumgardner

“As a fighter, there comes a time when you have to take a chance on yourself,” said the super featherweight champion. She referred to the 2021 title fight against the British fighter Terri Harper. Reportedly, ‘The Bomb’ received $25,000 for the bout that took place in Harper’s hometown of Sheffield. And what did she do? “I didn’t complain about the money—I bet on myself to win and pave the way for the rest of my career,” she said.

Thus, as a way of advising Conwell, Alycia Baumgardner stressed that it is important to recognize one’s worth. However, being overly focused on demanding high compensation might prove detrimental to one’s career. It could lead to missed opportunities on account of prolonged inertia. Baumgardner said, “Prove yourself! Be the underdog! Overcome the odds! I did it—twice!”

Whether Conwell takes Baumgardner’s advice remains to be seen. But the champion has a point. Yes, a ridiculous offer justifies a detailed scrutiny. But where it comes across as reasonable, then would there be any harm in proceeding any further? Like ‘The Bomb,’ many experts too have highlighted in the past how waiting for that golden opportunity during the initial course of the career often leads to dormancy that might hamper a fighter’s chances, both in terms of relevancy and then future paydays. Not to forget the risks it poses for the boxer’s form.

Do you feel Alycia Baumgardner’s advice is on point? Should opportunities be seized when they present themselves?