How Eubank Jr. Silenced Eddie Hearn

Eddie Hearn saw Conor Benn suffer a unanimous decision defeat to Chris Eubank Jr., as Hearn was left with a bitter pill to swallow.

Hearn was confident about Benn beating Eubank, even going so far as to state that he would make a bet with Ben Shalom. Hearn did not go through with the bet, claiming that the British Boxing Board of Control told him that he would be penalized. Chris Eubank Jr. pulled up Hearn on his words by stating that he would pay for any fine that Hearn may incur, telling him to live up to his words. Hearn backed down from the challenge, as Eubank won the battle of the mind games. He delivered to silence Hearn, who had been talking up Benn coming through this fight.

Hearn Vs. Shalom

Hearn also suffered due to his stand-off with Ben Shalom. Hearn had pushed Shalom during the kick-off presser, when Eubank Jr. had egged Benn during their face-off. While those actions could be justified in the heat of the moment, he ultimately had to see Shalom get one over him at a time when Hearn had talked down the promoter. 

Hearn is a much bigger promoter globally than Shalom. However, Shalom is making some headway by doing some work with Riyadh Season. While that is part of a wider vision with an increasing number of promoters working with the Saudis, it does question the narrative that Shalom is a small-time promoter. 

Eubank’s Leverage

Hearn is also at the mercy of Eubank Jr., who holds all the cards. Eubank refused to allow Hearn to speak during the build up. Hearn felt he had gotten the advantage when he stood down from the podium during the final presser by giving Frank Smith the microphone. However, Eubank stood his ground by refusing to let Smith say much.

Hearn has said there is a rematch clause in place. However, that depends on whether Eubank wants to get in the ring again. It is arguably a fight that he will never be able to top, given the circumstances. He had an iconic moment with his father, Chris Eubank Sr., when he walked him out in the ring. Eubank Jr. also reconciled with his father following the fight, showing that their relationship is stronger than ever. Eubank Sr. has said he would like to see his son walk off into the sunset, meaning that Hearn may never get the chance to avenge what happened during that fight.