‘She is the governor of the sport’ – Eddie Hearn has message for Katie Taylor rivals

Eddie Hearn has told potential Katie Taylor rivals they need to understand that the Irish star is the ‘governor of the sport’ and as a result calls the shots.

The two weight world champion has been linked with a host of fighters of late and some mega fights are said to be in the pipeline.

The Matchroom boss notes how a bout with Taylor ensures life changing money and a massive increase of any career high purse, but warns that those in line should avoid trying to price themselves out of the clash.

The likes of Amanda Serrano and Delfine Persoon are fights the fans, the aforementioned fighters and indeed the groundbreaking star wants to see happening in 2020. Hearn is also keen to make what would be massive bouts and has already held some form of negotiations.

However, he was keen to relay, that while the likes of the seven weight world champion and the former Taylor foe have been vocal about wanting to trade leather, negotiations haven’t always run smooth.

The indication seems to be that the Bray natives rivals want parity and Hearns suggests that’s not going to be the case.

“[Katie Taylor] is the governor of the divisions. She is the governor of the sport. All these other people have to understand they will get their opportunities, Katie will fight all of them but she is the boss,” explained Hearn before warning against greed.

“Delfine Persoon, Serrano, what you guys don’t see behind the doors. It is all very well saying ‘yeah, rematch her, fight her.’ But when you start negotiations with these people it is very easy for them to price themselves out in that situation. It is not just phoning her up and she will take the fight. It is actually getting the deal right and understanding treating people with respect. But understand they can’t make this kind of money unless they fight the female boss which is Katie Taylor.”

While Hearn did send a warning the way of the other top fighters around the weight, he was keen to point out there is a real positive feel around female fighting at the moment.

He would argue Taylor has raised the bar respect, profile and finance wise – and suggests that her potential rivals have to understand that.

“All these people, Linardatou included, just made life-changing money tonight through fighting Katie Taylor. Which is great, that is not a criticism. That is wonderful for the sport and brilliant that female fighters are getting opportunities and paydays like that through Katie Taylor. [They have to] understand they are coming through Katie Taylor.”

Taylor looks likely to return in New York on March 7 as DAZN plan an all female card for Women’s International Day.

Hearn has said the options to with regard to who the unified lightweight champion will fight remain plentiful, but he is aware the big fights have to happen soon.

“There are so many opportunities. Now, in her prime, this is the time to take those big fights. That is when you have to grab them, in your prime. You don’t want to take him five, six fights down the road when you are not as good as you were five fights ago.”