Eddie Hearn Just Contradicted Himself So Hard About Pacquiao's Title Shot

By Lewis Barnett 4 July, 2025 5 mins read 43 Views

Listen to this Article

Wait, What Did He Actually Say?

God, I love when promoters tie themselves in knots trying to sound smart. Eddie Hearn just spent five minutes trashing Manny Pacquiao's world title shot against Mario Barrios – then immediately pivoted to how it could benefit his own fighter. Classic Eddie move, honestly.

Here's the deal: Pacquiao hasn't won a fight since 2019. Let that sink in for a second.

The Filipino legend retired back in 2021 after getting outboxed by Yordenis Ugas, and now he's jumping straight into a WBC welterweight title fight on July 19th. At 46 years old. Against a guy who's been active and hungry.

The Conor Benn Connection Nobody Asked For

But here's where it gets interesting (and messy). Hearn's basically admitting he'd love to see his golden boy Conor Benn get a shot at whoever wins this fight. Back in 2023, when Benn was dealing with all that UKAD drama, they were actually in talks for a Pacquiao fight. Imagine that circus.

"When we looked at the Pacquiao fight it was coming up to two years ago now, first time, there was no world title on the line," Hearn told SunSport. "It was a big name. We got a lot of criticism about that but I don't think Pacquiao should be fighting for a world title but good luck to him if he comes through."

Translation: I hate this fight but if Manny wins, we're calling immediately.

Poor Conor's Stuck at Middleweight

The problem? Benn just lost to Chris Eubank Jr in April – a proper war, but still an L on his record. Now he's locked into a rematch on September 20th, which means he's staying at middleweight for the foreseeable future.

His welterweight dreams are on hold indefinitely. (Probably for the best, considering how that Eubank fight went.)

Sean Gibbons Fires Back

Pacquiao's advisor Sean Gibbons wasn't having any of Hearn's criticism. His response was... colorful.

"There should be no criticism. Manny Pacquiao coming back didn't need to be ranked anywhere. He just needed the opportunity," Gibbons said. "I can show you ten guys in that rankings, who shouldn't even be ranked so don't be bitching about it!"

He's not wrong about those rankings being questionable. But still.

The Real Question Everyone's Avoiding

Look, I get the business side of this. Pacquiao's name still sells tickets, even if his legs don't move like they used to. But watching a 46-year-old legend potentially get hurt for our entertainment feels... wrong?

Hearn knows this. That's why he's hedging his bets – criticizing the fight while positioning his own fighter to benefit from it. Smart business, questionable ethics.

The whole thing just feels like boxing eating itself again. But hey, at least we'll all be watching on July 19th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common mistakes beginners make in boxing?

The most common mistakes are: overextending your punches; dropping your hands; ignoring defense; holding your breath. A coach with the right qualifications can help identify and correct mistakes before they become habitual.

How often is it recommended that a boxing beginner train?

Beginners will benefit from two to three sessions of boxing a week. Allowing time for rest, recovery and relaxation between workouts is important. As you get more comfortable with the sport and gain fitness, you can increase the intensity and frequency of your training.

What equipment am I required to start boxing?

In order to train and be safe, you will need certain essentials. You will need a pair boxing gloves to protect your hands and wrists, a mouthguard and headgear for sparring. Boxing shoes and athletic clothing that is comfortable are also recommended to improve movement and support.

What should you look for when selecting your boxing gym?

When selecting a boxing gym, look for a welcoming environment, experienced and approachable instructors, a variety of classes suitable for different skill levels, quality equipment, and positive reviews or recommendations from current members. A trial session is a great way to get an idea of the gym's training style and atmosphere.

What should I be focusing on as a newbie in boxing

As a beginner you should focus your attention on the correct technique and form. You should master basic punches and develop your defense. Also, you need to improve on your footwork. Prioritize technique over power and get guidance from a coach who knows what they are doing.

What is the difference between amateur and professional boxing?

Amateur boxing tends to be more focused on the sport side, with an emphasis placed on skills, techniques, and the number of points rather than on knockouts. Often, the rounds are shorter and require protective headgear. Professional boxing, on the other hand, is a full-time career with longer rounds, no headgear, and a greater emphasis on power and knockouts.

Statistics

On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.
Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.

External Links

How To

How to Maintain Guard during Boxing

Maintaining a strong guard is essential for defense. Your gloves should be kept up in front your face, with your palms facing you. Your elbows need to be tucked into your body. This helps protect you against headshots and body blows. Practice your guard position during all training sessions and be sure to return your hands in this position immediately after each punch.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/my-dad-fed-through-a-baby-bottle-how-simon-eubanks-dementia-hell-drives-me-forward