Leading promoter Eddie Hearn believes claims of glove-tampering in Deontay Wilder’s rematch with Tyson Fury hold little credibility.
Hearn, who promotes WBA Super, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, but neither Fury nor Wilder, has looked on in bemusement as the American’s speculative claim of glove-tampering has gained traction with conspiracy theorists and Wilder fans on the internet.
Backers of Wilder have posted images of Fury’s glove in what they view as odd or illicit positions to rationalise their theories, following the American’s decisive seven-round loss in February 2020. Wilder’s claims of ‘weighted’ and ‘bending’ gloves have been widely dismissed as sour grapes from the loser and his supporters. The ‘Bronze Bomber’ has also blamed spiked water, a scratched ear and heavy ring walk outfit for his emphatic defeat last year.
The neutral Hearn simply believes any glove fixing is not possible, given the stringent procedures in Nevada where inspectors closely watch the wrapping of hands and sign off the finished gloves. A member of the opposing team is also always present when gloves are wrapped on fight night.
“If you’ve ever been in a dressing room at a fight, particularly in the Nevada State, I don’t see how you can tamper with your gloves or your wraps from the moment they’re wrapped up in the dressing room to the ring,” Hearn told the DAZN Boxing Show.
“To be honest with you, I don’t see how sliding your hand down the glove is going to give you an edge when you punch somebody.
“I think you would break your hand, if your hands are not properly in your glove. Knowing [Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director] Bob Bennett, I’d say it’s impossible to tamper with gloves.”
Having controversially drawn in November 2018 then re-engaged in February 2020, Fury and Wilder will meet for a third time at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 24.