Hearn Canceled Fight Due to Anomalous Bets

On June 22 in Birmingham, UK, the undercard of the Tyler Denny vs. Felix Cash fight was supposed to feature a rematch in the super featherweight division (up to 59 kg) between local boxers Aqib Fiaz (12-1, 1 KO) and Kane Baker (19-12, 1 KO). However, just minutes before the show began, the fight was canceled.

The head of the promotional company Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn, explained the reason behind this decision. “We canceled the fight about half an hour before the show. I’ve learned from the past when I was sometimes advised not to say anything, but the reality is that there’s no f***ing point in beating around the bush. I became aware of some illegal betting activity around this fight. I had to deal with the situation with the information I had, talk to different involved people, my team, and the Gambling Commission. I made the decision to pull the fight. There was a lot I didn’t like about what I was hearing. I didn’t want to take any risks. Then I spoke to the British Boxing Board of Control, which said you’re doing the right thing. It’s not for them to investigate this matter. I can’t give you all the answers, but I’m sure they will come when a hearing takes place,” Hearn explained to Seconds Out.

The fighters involved also commented on the cancellation.

Aqib Fiaz: “Today's fight was canceled due to a situation I was unaware of and not involved in. The investigation is ongoing, and I have been advised to refrain from commenting during this period.”

Kane Baker: “Following information about wrongful betting, I would like to inform my people that neither I nor my acquaintances made any illegal bets. I would never be bribed to lose a fight, and throughout my career, I have never bet on my own defeat. I believe my fights and records prove that. I welcome the continued investigation into me, my family, and anyone else. Also, any fight I have lost will be scrutinized. I can 100% confirm that any bets placed on me were for my victory. I will provide further evidence in due course. Thank you all for your support,” the boxer wrote on Instagram.

Kane Baker and Aqib Fiaz previously met in October 2020, with Fiaz winning by decision.