‘We’ve got plans’ – Eddie Hearn explains lack of Taylor-Linardatou rematch clause

Eddie Hearn claims it was ‘impossible’ for him to give Christina Linardatou [12(6)-1(0)] a rematch clause heading into her voluntary WBO light welterweight world title defense against Katie Taylor [14(6)-0]. 

The Matchroom boss came under attack from the Greece resident’s manager Brian Cohen early in Tuesday’s official press conference to announce the Manchester Arena, November 2 bill topper.  

Cohen claimed his fighter was upset to the point of breaking into tears upon learning of the lack of a rematch clause being in the contract.

The American questioned why the rematch clause afforded undisputed lightweight world champion Taylor should she suffer a shocking defeat, wasn’t extended to Dominican Republic-born champion underdog.

Speaking to IFL TV post a top table exchange, the Matchroom boss explained why a rematch clause was a no go.

In fact Hearn revealed if Team Linardatou had pushed for the career-stalling clause to be inserted in the contract the fight wouldn’t have happened. 

The promoter, who works alongside manager Brian Peters with regard to the Irish fighters career, revealed they have massive 2020 plans and a rematch would hamper those.

There seems to be a contract signed to fight Brooklyn resident Amanda Serrano in the Spring and a Delfine Persoon rematch is lined up for the Summer, so in that regard a Linardatou rematch would prove unhelpful.

Speaking later in the day Hearn also revealed that Linardatou has been given a second fight with DAZN and Matchroom, but just not against Taylor. He also highlighted a career best purse and the chance to become a superstar as to reasons the world champion should be content with what is on offer. 

“Basically we have a rematch clause and they haven’t. The reason we can’t give a rematch clause is we’ve got plans,” Hearn told IFL TV.

“We have Delfine Persoon, we’ve got Amanda Serrano, we’ve got contracted fights that we have to take, so contractually we can’t give a rematch clause. If had to give one we wouldn’t take this fight and if we didn’t take this fight Christina wouldn’t be making a lot of money and getting the chance to become one of the biggest stars in the sport.”