Brian Norman Jr.’s father, Brian Sr., recently took to social media to express his disappointment with promoter Eddie Hearn losing the purse bid for the Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs. Karen Chukhadzhian fight. Hearn reportedly lost the bid by $250,000 to Karen’s promoters, putting Ennis in a difficult situation where he may be forced to defend his IBF welterweight title in Europe. This loss also means that Ennis will miss out on the opportunity to fight at home in Philadelphia and generate significant revenue from selling out the Wells Fargo Center.
Hearn had previously offered Team Norman Jr. $1.7 million for a fight with Boots, but the offer was rejected in favor of a $2.2 million deal, which Hearn was unwilling to match. This led to a breakdown in negotiations, with Brian Sr. accusing Hearn of being “cheap” and “lying.” Norman Sr. also expressed his distrust of Hearn’s intentions, claiming that the promoter never intended to make a fight with his son, Brian Jr.
Norman Sr. believes that Hearn will try to convince Boots to vacate his welterweight title and move up to the 154-pound division, despite Ennis’ desire to unify the division. There are concerns that Hearn may be pushing Ennis towards this move in order to secure more profitable fights for himself, rather than prioritizing Boots’ career advancement. Norman Sr. has criticized Hearn for his misleading statements and questioned his motives in the negotiation process.
The fallout from Hearn’s loss in the purse bid has raised doubts about his commitment to promoting Ennis and furthering his career. Norman Sr. alleges that Hearn was not looking to invest in Ennis’ future and was more concerned with cutting costs and maximizing profits. This situation has underscored the challenges that young boxers like Boots face in navigating the complex world of professional boxing, where promoters often hold significant power and influence over their careers.
As Ennis contemplates his next move in light of Hearn’s failed negotiations and the potential shift to the 154-pound division, he must weigh his options carefully. Moving up in weight could open up new opportunities for him, but it also presents risks in terms of competition and marketability. Ennis will need to consider his long-term goals and aspirations in the sport while navigating the turbulent waters of the boxing business.
Eddie Hearn’s loss in the purse bid for the Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis fight has created a challenging situation for all parties involved. The breakdown in negotiations, coupled with allegations of dishonesty and manipulation, has cast a shadow over the future of Ennis’ career. As the young boxer faces critical decisions about his next steps, he will need to stay vigilant and assertive in pursuing his goals while confronting the complexities of the professional boxing landscape.