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'Hypocrite!' - Eddie Hearn Replies to Frank Warren's Comments
Prominent UK boxing promoters, Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, have recently clashed over issues concerning drug testing in the sport. The crux of their disagreement revolves around Alycia Baumgardner, the reigning super-featherweight champion, who had an adverse result in a doping test prior to her title defence. Interestingly, this information was disclosed nearly a month post-fight. Warren voiced his concerns during a media interaction following the Dennis McCann-Ionut Baluta match at York Hall. He expressed reservations about the US testing agency, Drug Free Sport, and hinted at Baumgardner possibly exiting Matchroom.
“It’s disgraceful. For people outside and inside. And what I’m getting sick of is all the nonsense that’s getting spouted out about who’s doing what.” “What concerns me about it, is that first of all Drug Free Sport do not have the same standards, and do not test for substances that VADA and UKAD test for … which is not acceptable. And it’s not good that someone takes a sample and puts it on a shelf for nine days before sending it to a laboratory.” “What I found concerning was apparently she, allegedly, was going to leave Matchroom and go and sign with Jake Paul. So you look into that which way you want.”In a counter-response, Hearn defended Matchroom’s stance during an interview with Boxing Social. He said:
“He’s criticising someone who’s paying for additional testing, and criticising they only test for certain things, but we’re talking about a positive adverse finding, so they must be doing an okay job. He was completely wrong with everything he said. Alycia Baumgardner has got till April next year on her contract, we’ve also got first/last, we’re also negotiating a new deal.” “You don’t want to be attacked by small hall promoters, but at the same time, that’s their job. You have to be trying to put yourself up with the big boys. It’s obviously an American situation as well, I believe he’s not licensed to promote in America at all.”Hearn, while speaking to IFL TV, also mentioned Warren's "apparent double standards." He expanded on this with Boxing Social, questioning Warren's commitment to regular testing.
“Someone should ask the question is he paying for additional testing for his fights? I believe Joe Joyce’s fight has it because the management asked for it. But you’ve got to protect your fighters. [Ionut] Baluta last night – was he tested? Absolutely not. And Frank will say ‘yeah he was tested on the night’ but what about the 12 weeks he was preparing? The answer is no because they don’t want to pay for it. That’s $30,000 dollars to test Baluta, and that’s probably more than his purse.”As for Baumgardner, she is set to navigate the official channels related to her positive test and continues to proclaim her innocence.
