Eddie Hearn, a boxing promoter, has slammed FLOYD MAYWEATHER's and David Haye’s return to the ring.
Mayweather, 44, a former five-weight world champion, returned to the ring in June for an exhibition bout of eight rounds with Logan Paul, a YouTube star. It ended up winning.
Floyd Mayweather and YouTuber star Logan Paul fought in June
Haye, an ex-WBA heavyweight champion, will be back in the ring next month to fight with Joe Fournier, his good friend.
These bouts are part of a growing trend of retired pros returning to the ring in search of lucrative paydays. This is something Matchroom boxing chief Hearn doesn't like.
He said that Floyd Mayweather vs Logan Paul was a joke, and that David Haye vs Joe Fournier is just a bit of fun,
"Some people are willing to respect their legacy and others just want to make as much as possible.
"We only need to concentrate on boxing.
"The Josh Warrington card, Katie Taylor and Conor Benn. This is the fight between AJ and Usyk.
"We must deliver numbers to DAZN and our broadcasters, because otherwise broadcasters may be asking for YouTube fights. That's not something I want to be involved in.
"I have done it before, it was fun. It was hard at times but I understand the need.
"But we have to focus on the sport and not just the other side. Otherwise, you'll see it more and more."
Hearn has also dabbled in YouTube boxing. Hearn promoted KSI's rematch against Paul in November 2019.
However, the 42-year old has no plans to get back in YouTube fighting. He said: "I was on that side when I did KSI vs Logan Paul.
"It's crazy and it seems like every week there's another YouTube fight.
"I have tried to get away from that because I believe boxing should stand up and be counted.
"And that's the only way we can do it is to fight great battles.
"Because we don't make great fighting, then what we see in terms of David Haye, Joe Fournier, Jake Paul and Floyd Mayweather vs Logan Paul will become more frequent, because they rate."
Hearn admitted that he doesn't like YouTuber fighters but he does respect Jake Paul for agreeing fight former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley.
He stated that he didn't mind it. Look at Jake Paul vs Tyron woodley. I have no problem with it.
"Jake Paul is putting in the effort, he has now had three fights. He's fighting someone that can fight in some capacity, and he was a UFC champion."
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