Espinoza, Wilder & Schaub Blast Hearn

There are a lot of bitter feelings in the boxing community this week, as an anticipated heavyweight unification battle between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder was pushed to the side.

The fight, which was hampered by protracted negotiations, has now been put on the back burner due to Joshua being forced to face mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin.

On Tuesday, Showtime Sports host and former UFC fighter, Brendan Schaub, took to Twitter to go after Eddie Hearn, promoter of Anthony Joshua.

Details will come out but he signed to avoid @BronzeBomber, I try not to pick sides but Wilder agreed to EVERY demand Hearn/Joshua asked for. Frustrating would be an understatement. https://t.co/oww56wWsr3

— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) June 26, 2018

Schaub would immediately hear back from Hearn, causing the two to go after one another on the social platform.

Not what my sources say. Joshua put $50M tag on the fight. Deontay’s team guaranteed $50M. Then it shifted to $50M and fight in UK. Deontay agreed. Then offer was no longer on the table via Joshua camp. Joshua signed to fight Povetkin.

— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) June 26, 2018

1. No they didn’t guarantee the money 2. We asked for a contract and they refused to send one. 3.What an earth are you talking about it was never $50m for a UK fight? Unbelievable – great source 😂😂😂😂

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) June 26, 2018

In the midst of their argument, Deontay Wilder would chime in and go after Hearn with an expletive filled post.

 

Late Wednesday night, Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza decided to step in and reveal their role in trying to get this fight made.

Hate to interrupt with actual facts, but: 1. Wilder did offer mutually acceptable security, which could include a guarantee. 2. Wilder did send a detailed term sheet & you acknowledged receipt.

Both were in writing & easily verifiable. You didn’t respond substantively to either. https://t.co/juMWJrHpPc

— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) June 27, 2018

1. I’m responding to comments that proof of funds were provided – no they weren’t. 2. I asked for a contract – this was flat out refused. 3. Does Deontay have a contract with Showtime? 4. Goodnight

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) June 28, 2018

1. I’m responding to comments that proof of funds were provided – no they weren’t. 2. I asked for a contract – this was flat out refused. 3. Does Deontay have a contract with Showtime? 4. Goodnight

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) June 28, 2018

1. FACT: Wilder offered to provide security & you didn’t respond at all.

2. FACT: term sheet was sent & you saw it.

3. Deontay has something more important than a contract: LOYALTY. You familiar with the concept? Didn’t think so. https://t.co/4i5H22dXki

— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) June 28, 2018

Nobody signs the first draft of a contract…especially on a big fight. Surely you know that…or is it your first international PPV?

Oh sorry…it is your first. You’ll learn. Eventually. https://t.co/HJ2EEvxRxw

— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) June 28, 2018

UPDATE: Wilder would respond to Hearn’s request to “sign the contract” blasting both Hearn and new broadcast platform DAZN, further instilling his support and loyalty to Showtime.

 

While an April date has been offered, it seems much like the battle for a Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin fight, both sides have gone from business rivals, into feuding factions.