However, Hearn was quick to highlight the double standard.
Talk to IFL TVHearn claimed he didn’t actually watch the show because he didn’t have a Paramount subscription. Of course, that didn’t stop him from following along closely enough to drop a reality check. If his name had been on the exact same card, he argued, the boxing world would have eaten him alive.
“I followed it on social media,” Hearn said. “It was different, wasn’t it? I’ll say this: if I put that card up, I’d be absolutely washed out. I’d be abused for a month. But they’re starting. They’re getting the ball rolling.”
It was vintage Eddie. A dismissive wave, a smile and a subtle reminder that he is held to a different standard.
He didn’t go for the jugular though. He portrayed Zuffa as a project that needed time, but he couldn’t help but look at the early contradictions. Zuffa talked a big match about ignoring traditional belts, then turned around and made one headline. To hear, the politics of boxing is much more entertaining than the actual fights.
“I’m more interested in the soap opera,” he joked. “They say they don’t recognize the belts, then they play a WBC title fight.”
He also moved quickly to kill any rumors about Zuffa snapping up Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. Matchroom exercised its pairing rights at the end of Bam’s contract to keep him right where he is.
“We’re in a good position with Bam,” Hearn said. “We will announce his next fight soon.”
No massive explosions or insults this time. Just a reminder that Hearn is always watching, even when he says he isn’t.
