Eddie Hearn's stance on Matchroom's matchmaking came under the spotlight as Marc Castro and Jalil Hackett faced unexpected defeats at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This event led Hearn to passionately defend the company's approach rather than questioning the scoring.

Unraveling the Truth Behind Matchroom's Matchmaking

Experience and Competitiveness

Critics have often pointed to a perceived lack of experience compared to rivals like Frank Warren, Oscar De La Hoya, and Bob Arum. However, Hearn insists that Matchroom is guiding fighters' careers in the right way. He believes that if fighters can't handle tough opponents and lose, it's a sign they need to rebuild and come back stronger. For example, Julian Williams had a "bad night" according to some, but Hearn saw it as a reality check. Marc Castro and Jalil Hackett, at 25 and 21 years old respectively, have the potential for growth. Castro wasn't good enough that night, and Hackett needs to focus on making weight to beat better opponents. This shows that in sport, you get beaten when you're not good enough, and it's not about avoiding tough matchups.

Success Stories Amidst Criticism

Hearn also highlighted the success of Richardson Hitchins. After being out on the street with no fights from Mayweather Promotions, Hearn took him under his wing, built him up, and got him to headline and reach the mandatory position, eventually becoming an IBF junior-welterweight champion. This proves that with the right guidance, fighters can achieve great things. It's not about just criticizing but seeing the potential for growth and success. For instance, Hearn's approach with Hitchins contrasts with the negative perception some have of Matchroom. It shows that with the right matchups and support, fighters can thrive.

Real Fights and Entertainment

Hearn is committed to providing real fights and entertainment. He believes that spoon-feeding fighters and avoiding competitive matchups is a disservice to the sport and the fans. By putting fighters in challenging situations, they grow and develop. Take Galal Yafai, for example, who reaped rewards by being matched with Sunny Edwards in only his ninth fight. This shows that Hearn is dedicated to delivering quality fights that keep the audience engaged. If fans don't want to watch competitive fights and see prospects tested, they shouldn't watch his shows. It's about giving the fans what they truly want - real action and excitement.