In a recent interview with Boxing News, the face of Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn has revealed that Deontay Wilder turned down an offer of $3m to make a voluntary defence of his WBC Heavyweight Championship belt, an offer which did not include any potential money from US TV.
Instead, Deontay Wilder had agreed to make a defence of his title against the feared undefeated Cuban Luis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz. A fight that fell through after it was confirmed Luis Ortiz had tested positive for a banned substance. Wilder will now instead defend against mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne, the only man to ever last the full distance against Wilder in a highly anticipated rematch.
This rematch has been ridiculed by Hearn, as he claims Wilder will only be making $1.5m and drew a direct comparison to the possible $4m sum, he could have amassed in a matchup with Britain’s very own version of ‘The Bodysnatcher’ Dillian Whyte and went on to say
“They don’t seem to want the fight”.
Hearn went on to voice out about the frustration he has encountered trying to find Dillian Whyte a match for his upcoming October 28th date when he returns to the ring, on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua – Kubrat Pulev World Heavyweight Championship bout.
“It’s frustrating trying to get Dillian Whyte an opponent. Every fighter that we’re asking for money we are giving it to them and they’re still coming back and not accepting the fight” Hearn told Boxing News.
Finally, Hearn made the assertion that many are scared to enter the ring with his charge citing his overall ability to fight and how he forces opponents into gruelling battles as the reason many don’t want to fight him. “People don’t want to fight Dillian Whyte. He’s a handful. He’s a real handful. He’s got a great chin, he don’t stop throwing punching, he’s strong. It’s frustrating. He just keeps coming back at you.”