Eddie Hearn has criticised the undercard for the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua heavyweight fight, praising only one bout and questioning the inclusion of lesser-known fighters on the main card.
Fury and Joshua are set to meet on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The official main undercard has been revealed, with former cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia moving up to heavyweight to face Deontay Wilder in chief support.
The card also includes two other heavyweight fights: Martin Bakole against Solomon Adebayo, and Da'MAzion Vanhouter against Michael Essomba. Vanhouter recently defeated Ivan Balaz at the Copper Box Arena in London.
Hearn Questions Fight Selection
Speaking to iFL TV, Hearn said: "Opetaia vs Wilder is a great fight. I think that is an intriguing fight. If it happens. Now, the other two, on what planet would you ever put those two fights on the main card of Fury vs AJ?"
He added: "Da'MAzion Vanhouter... never heard of him. No disrespect. Build him (Vanhouter) on another f****** undercard. Not on the biggest fight in British boxing history. What about Joe Cordina? What about a two-time world champion from Wales? Mental. As it happens, I am going to land Joe Cordina a big fight in January anyway, but where's the thinking behind it?"
Licensing Concerns
Hearn also mentioned a phone call with Spencer Brown, saying: "I do not want to throw him under a bus, but I know he won't mind me saying it... I just got off the phone with Spencer Brown. Speechless. Martin Bakole vs the other fella who I have never heard of (Solomon Adebayo) and (Da'MAzion) Vanhouter... put them on the prelims. Thankfully I have got nothing to do with it."
The event faces potential disruption as Cardiff Council's Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on November 25 to decide on the stadium's request for extended hours. The main event is scheduled for a 1am start on December 12, with organisers wanting the venue open until 3.30am.
One local resident said: "The Council should carefully consider whether these extended hours are necessary and whether adequate safeguards can realistically prevent additional noise, disorder and disruption during the early hours. I ask the Council to refuse the application in its current form."
