Eddie Hearn Believes PBC is Very Protective of Their Fighters
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn raised eyebrows while Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). He claims they are reluctant to allow their fighters to step into the ring under another banner, especially when they aren’t the favored contender.
The boxing community has been buzzing about the anticipated showdown between WBA junior welterweight champion Rolando Romero versus Ryan Garcia no longer being an option. Instead, Romero is set to face one-time title challenger Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz on PBC’s inaugural fight card under the Amazon Prime umbrella.
In an interview with Fight Hub TV, Hearn revisited the past. He recalled Garcia’s withdrawal from a potential bout against WBC champion Devin Haney. He also highlighted PBC’s disinclination to lend out their fighters.
“PBC is always very reluctant to give you one of their guys or a belt when you’re the favorite in the fight. Which Ryan would be a big favorite in that fight, in my opinion.”
IT IS NOT ONLY PBC
While Hearn’s observation is valid, it is essential to consider additional aspects that were left unmentioned. Two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, under Matchroom Boxing, faced several PBC fighters. Names include then-IBF champion Charles Martin, Dominic Breazeale, and Andy Ruiz.
Joshua’s intended fight against one-time WBC champion Deontay Wilder was foiled by Joseph Parker’s upset, derailing their plans.
Furthermore, Hearn must have forgotten how then-WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk had to align with Matchroom Boxing in 2018 before securing a title fight with Joshua. Devin Haney had to ink a three-fight deal with Top Rank to face George Kambosos for the undisputed lightweight crown.
In the realm of boxing today, it is crucial for fans to recognize that the sport is a business. The networks, promoters, managers, and fighters prioritize actions that maximize profits that align with their best interests.
