“Go Away Over There”: Eddie Hearn Draws A Stark Line Between Influencer And Professional Boxing

Back in 2019, Eddie Hearn promoted KSI vs Logan Paul 2. At the time, influencer boxing was brewing but garnering criticism from boxing fans. Hearn was one such figure from the realm of traditional boxing WHO vehemently defended celebrity boxing. However, in a recent turn of events, the British promoter drew sharp contrasts between influencer and professional boxing.

Moreover, as YouTubers-turned-boxers like Jake Paul and KSI take on professional boxers, the gap between the two genres of boxing is starting to get blurred. But, Hearn has an interesting take on the rapidly developing new genre of boxing. So let’s dive right in on his recent take.

Eddie Hearn on influencer boxing being at loggerheads with professional boxing

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Hearn does not have a disdain towards influencer boxing. But at the same time, he emphasizes the fact that the sport of boxing should be separate from influencer boxing. Speaking to IFLTV, he stated, “We need to remove ourselves as a sport, as much as possible, from influencer and YouTube boxing. As in, we are not them, they are not boxing. Go away over there.”

However, Hearn made it clear that he is not of the view to ban influencer boxing completely. Reflecting on the same, he stated, “Not ban them forever and get them off T.V. This is what we do, we are not influencing boxing. It’s brilliant, it rates very well, it’s a great entertainment format, I understand the attraction to the younger generation but it’s not boxing.” 

He added, “So I am not saying, boot it away from boxing” 

The renowned promoter understands the economics and entertainment value behind influencer boxing. Not to mention, such influencer bouts bring the sport a lot more exposure from a younger audience. On the same podcast, Hearn also discussed why he does not mind Tyson Fury facing Francis Ngannou for his next bout.

Eddie Hearn weighs in on Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou

The match-up between Fury and Ngannou left many in the boxing world in a state of frenzy. However, Hearn considers this move to be quite wise, citing financial incentives for the heavyweight champion. In an interview, he stated, “I get the Ngannou fight. He’s fighting a guy that’s never boxed before, and he’s gonna make 30 million, 40 million.”

Read more: “One of the Great Fighters, Not Just of Our Generation but of All Time”: Eddie Hearn Is All Praises for Terence Crawford

Moreover, Hearn does mention that had Fury been his fighter he would have suggested the ‘Gypsy King,’ to face Oleksandr Usyk for ‘double the amount of money.’ 

What are your thoughts on Hearn’s assessment of influencer boxing and his take on Fury vs Ngannou? Share with us in the comments below.