The international Boxing Hall of Fame exists to celebrate the achievements of those in the sport who excelled. Its walls boast names such as Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones Jr, Joe Calzaghe, and Floyd Mayweather.
Off the back of Deontay Wilder claiming that he would be automatically inducted at the end of his career with ‘no questions asked’, Eddie Hearn disagreed and gave his assessment on the chances of other active heavyweights to Boxing Social.
“I saw Deontay Wilder also say that whatever happens in his career he’s already a hall of famer. Can you tell me his best win? Luis Ortiz, I’ll do it for you. Tell me the one after that. Breazeale, or Stiverne – I mean it’s very close. I don’t even think Tyson Fury is a hall of famer yet, in all honesty.”
When asked then if his figher Anthony Joshua would make it into the elite list, Hearn said no.
“No. By the way, it’s only when it’s said and done. AJ’s got a great resume, but he’s also coming off back to back defeats. So, to be a hall of famer, you really have to dominate, in my opinion, the division for a very long time.”
Finally, the promoter named one fighter that he believes could be an inductee as things currently stand.
“Usyk might be a hall of famer, because of his undisputed achievements at cruiseweight and then moving up and becoming unified, but Deontay Wilder? I think Deontay Wilder’s great for boxing. How on earth can you be in the hall of fame?”
It’s safe to say that the Matchroom promoter won’t be backing ‘The Bronze Bomber’s bid. As he says though, decisions are taken when all is said and done. The four fighters mentioned still have a ways to go in their careers, each with the potential to earn a place in the hall.