BOXING promoter Eddie Hearn says “sport is f***ed” as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Matchroom boss is trying to give boxing the shot in the arm it needs with the launch of his Fight Camp shows.
These will run every weekend up until the end of August from his back garden.
This will give fight fans hopes for some huge fights in the future.
And that could not come at a better time for the sport according to Hearn.
Speaking to iFL TV, the 41-year-old said: “I’m not just focussing on this week, I am focussing on saving boxing, because sport is f***ed.
“And if you look at the viewing figures coming back right now, the sport is in a horrendous position.
“All of a sudden we come back with Fight Camp and we are the saviours.”
Star names from Warren’s team — including heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois and light-heavy star Anthony Yarde — have been offered up to Hearn’s Dillian Whyte, and undefeated Joshua Buatsi.
The dialogue between the two promoters will come as a huge boost to the sport after coronavirus shut down the calendar.
Both are outting on shows behind-closed-doors with the hope that fans wil be allowed ringside before the year is out.
And it will bring excitement for one potential fight in particular – Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua.
Frank Warren has his say on some of the potential crossover fights...
DANIEL DUBOIS vs JOE JOYCE
The winner will face Dillian Whyte. I think my unbeaten heavyweights Joe and Daniel have the beating of him. Whoever loses on October 24 meets Derek Chisora — and what better opponent to bounce back against.
LIAM WILLIAMS vs DEMETRIUS ANDRADE
This WBO middleweight world title is the only international fight on the list. It’s the fight Liam and Andrade want.
ANTHONY YARDE vs JOSH BUATSI
I fancy Anthony in this light-heavyweight battle with Buatsi because that narrow loss to Sergey Kovalev has given him the edge of experience. He was ten seconds away from being a world champ by beating a monster.
NATHAN GORMAN vs DAVE ALLEN
Dave has been on some big shows and lost a few fights, so this should appeal to him. Nathan is on the comeback trail. It looks at ideal fight for both heavyweights.
ARCHIE SHARP vs ZELFA BARRETT
I know a lot of neutrals would see this super- featherweight bout as 50-50 but I have to back Archie. We tried to make it happen when Zelfa was under contract with us.
JAMES METCALF vs ANTHONY FOWLER
Middleweight Metcalf is 21-0 now and people will want to avoid him. Fowler is 12-1 so doesn’t have that 0 to protect.
CHRIS JENKINS vs CONOR BENN
Conor doesn’t usually fight anyone with a pulse but, in fairness to him and his team, they did ask about this fight a while ago but we couldn’t agree terms. Now would be the perfect time to put this British welterweight title fight in the mix.
CHARLIE EDWARDS vs KAL YAFAI
I’ve read Charlie and Kal didn’t get on during their Team GB days. Charlie has a score to settle and Kal thinks he is the better super-flyweight. Let’s see.
