Eddie Hearn Admits Losing Purse Bid for Beterbiev-Smith by a Close Margin

Eddie Hearn Admits Losing Purse Bid for Beterbiev-Smith by a Close Margin

Eddie Hearn, a renowned British boxing promoter, recently expressed his disappointment after losing the purse bid for the light heavyweight unification clash between Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith. Hearn's Matchroom Boxing offered $2.1 million, but Top Rank, co-promoters of Beterbiev, beat their bid by just $15,000, making it Hearn's narrowest losing margin in a major purse bid ever.

Hearn, who was eyeing home advantage for Smith, stated that he was gutted to have lost the bid by such a small margin, as he had never lost a purse bid by such a close figure before. However, he believes that Smith still has the ability to win the match by knockout on away soil.

As per the WBC rules, Beterbiev will receive 70% of 90% of the winning bid, and Smith will claim 30%, while the remaining 10%, worth $211,500, will be on the line on the night. The fight is scheduled to take place within 90 days of the bid, and Hearn expects it to happen in Montreal since Top Rank and Group Yvon Michel now have the obligation to stage the fight.

Despite the defeat, Hearn is optimistic that Smith has a great chance to dethrone the reigning light heavyweight champion. He cited Smith's ability to land a powerful left hook in catch-and-counter situations, which could knock Beterbiev out. He also noted that the time is right for Smith, as Beterbiev has had tough fights in the past, including his last outing against Anthony Yarde.

In conclusion, while Hearn may have lost the bid for home advantage, he still believes that Smith can come out victorious against Beterbiev. Fans will eagerly wait to see whether Smith can fulfill Hearn's prophecy and claim the unified light heavyweight championship.