Hearn made it clear he sees the situation very differently.
“It can definitely get made without being a unification, but then what it is, it’s a voluntary defense. How can it be an equal split? Who has Adam Azim ever beaten?” said Hearn to The Stomping Ground.
Tell me his best win. Claggett.
Dalton Smith went to New York and knocked out Subriel Matias to win the WBC world title. How can you possibly talk about an equal split?”
Smith captured the WBC title with his stoppage victory over Matias earlier this year, a result that elevated him into the conversation as one of the leading names at 140 pounds. Azim remains unbeaten and highly regarded, but Hearn argued that his accomplishments do not justify parity at the negotiating table.
The Matchroom chairman then turned his attention to Azim’s commercial value, criticizing the turnout for Saturday’s event and insisting Smith would be offering the challenger an opportunity rather than negotiating as an equal.
“I love Adam Azim, by the way. I think he’s a lovely kid, and I think he’s a great fighter. But promotionally, what they have done is the worst job I’ve ever seen,” said Hearn,
It was empty in there on Saturday [for Azim vs. Steve Claggett].
Don’t start talking to me about equal splits. Get in line. Do as you’re told. You’re a voluntary defense. We’ll make you an offer. If you believe you can win the world title and beat Dalton Smith, you can take it. If not, go and win a belt. We’ll do a big unification.”
A Smith-Azim showdown remains one of the biggest all-British fights available in the division, but Hearn’s comments suggest any negotiations could begin with a significant disagreement over who deserves the larger share of the purse.
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