Eddie Hearn: 'James DeGale Shouldn't Lose A Round To Badou Jack'
Eddie Hearn: 'James DeGale Shouldn't Lose A Round To Badou Jack'
Legendary British promoter Eddie Hearn shares his thoughts on bout between James DeGale and Badou Jack.
By Jim Edwards
Eddie Hearn has had a few weeks away from the spotlight, but this week he's back doing what he does best--talking up fights and get people excited.
The British promoter has been in New York City this week in and around the promotional activities leading up to this weekend's clash between IBG super middleweight champion James DeGale and WBC champion Badou Jack.
Suffice to say, Hearn's excited for the fight this Saturday and believes it needs no hype.
"It's easy to talk about a fight like this because it's a great fight," Hearn told IFL TV. "I'm really excited for the year ahead. I really feel good, rested, motivated and I've got a buzz in my step.
"When I walked off the stage [at the DeGale vs. Jack press conference], I had four fighters come up to me and ask to talk to me because they wanted to sign with me. I think I need to set up an office in America, we'd smash it up out here mate."
Hearn's relationship with DeGale has often been a confusing one, but this week the fighter and promoter have looked more like they're on the same page. However, DeGale earlier this week said that Hearn wouldn't be interested in him if he lost this Saturday against Jack. This wasn't something that Hearn was denying.
"That's not exactly true, but I'd have a lot less interest," Hearn admitted. "Well you would, wouldn't you? If James DeGale lost, and by the way he ain't losing, if he wins he's a unification superstar; if he loses there are still loads of big fights out there for him, but he won't be as bigger star. He's not stupid James.
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPLutotBULt/" hide_caption="0"]
"Since watching that interview yesterday I think he's seasoned. This is a big night for him, but it's not an overwhelming night for him. He's been around, he's seen it all and he knows the business. He's dealt with all the different promoters and he's dealt with four different promoters. He knows the game inside out and the fact is that we're cool.
"I like James DeGale, we get on very well--he excites me. Being around him he's got good energy you know what I mean. I think I can make him massive in the U.K. and I can make him a lot more money than he's currently getting. I know he wants to do that and I know he wants to do that with me in the U.K."
While Hearn was happy to plot DeGale's future plans, he was still well aware that for IBF champion, focus for the next 48-hours would be on Saturday night when he unifies the titles with Jack at the Barclay's Center.
"All that matters for him right now is Saturday night," Hearn said. "He's got to beat Badou Jack and I've said to him that the most important part of this fight is the beginning, the middle and the end. Don't switch off for one round. He shouldn't lose a round to this guy. He's too skillful. There isn't a style where you say "that's terrible for James DeGale", it's his style that's terrible for everyone.
"What can Badou Jack do against James DeGale? If he [DeGale] is switched on for every round, he shouldn't lose a round."
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPI7GqUhvL2/" hide_caption="0"]
Eddie Hearn has had a few weeks away from the spotlight, but this week he's back doing what he does best--talking up fights and get people excited.
The British promoter has been in New York City this week in and around the promotional activities leading up to this weekend's clash between IBG super middleweight champion James DeGale and WBC champion Badou Jack.
Suffice to say, Hearn's excited for the fight this Saturday and believes it needs no hype.
"It's easy to talk about a fight like this because it's a great fight," Hearn told IFL TV. "I'm really excited for the year ahead. I really feel good, rested, motivated and I've got a buzz in my step.
"When I walked off the stage [at the DeGale vs. Jack press conference], I had four fighters come up to me and ask to talk to me because they wanted to sign with me. I think I need to set up an office in America, we'd smash it up out here mate."
Hearn's relationship with DeGale has often been a confusing one, but this week the fighter and promoter have looked more like they're on the same page. However, DeGale earlier this week said that Hearn wouldn't be interested in him if he lost this Saturday against Jack. This wasn't something that Hearn was denying.
"That's not exactly true, but I'd have a lot less interest," Hearn admitted. "Well you would, wouldn't you? If James DeGale lost, and by the way he ain't losing, if he wins he's a unification superstar; if he loses there are still loads of big fights out there for him, but he won't be as bigger star. He's not stupid James.
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPLutotBULt/" hide_caption="0"]
"Since watching that interview yesterday I think he's seasoned. This is a big night for him, but it's not an overwhelming night for him. He's been around, he's seen it all and he knows the business. He's dealt with all the different promoters and he's dealt with four different promoters. He knows the game inside out and the fact is that we're cool.
"I like James DeGale, we get on very well--he excites me. Being around him he's got good energy you know what I mean. I think I can make him massive in the U.K. and I can make him a lot more money than he's currently getting. I know he wants to do that and I know he wants to do that with me in the U.K."
While Hearn was happy to plot DeGale's future plans, he was still well aware that for IBF champion, focus for the next 48-hours would be on Saturday night when he unifies the titles with Jack at the Barclay's Center.
"All that matters for him right now is Saturday night," Hearn said. "He's got to beat Badou Jack and I've said to him that the most important part of this fight is the beginning, the middle and the end. Don't switch off for one round. He shouldn't lose a round to this guy. He's too skillful. There isn't a style where you say "that's terrible for James DeGale", it's his style that's terrible for everyone.
"What can Badou Jack do against James DeGale? If he [DeGale] is switched on for every round, he shouldn't lose a round."
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPI7GqUhvL2/" hide_caption="0"]