Hearn Responds to Turki’s “Tom and Jerry” Fight Criticism

Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn has responded to comments from Turki Alalshikh, who said he no longer wants to see “Tom and Jerry-style fights” where one boxer spends the bout running while the other gives chase.

“You’ve got to find the right balance. Ultimately, it’s the art of hitting and not getting hit — we understand that. But at the same time, it’s also show business.

People don’t want to watch that — or, at least, it’s a very small part of the audience. And they’re the hardcore boxing fans. They don’t want to see a defensive masterclass off the back foot where someone wins every round without taking risks, without showing aggression, without even trying to close the show.

It’s tough. If you have a smart conversation with a fighter, and he knows he can win every round boxing that way, how do I walk over and say, ‘Look mate, I know you’re a brilliant boxer and can dominate, but I really need you to switch it up, take some punches, and trade shots’?

They’d look at me like I’m crazy. But the truth is: if you’re not entertaining, it’s hard to sell a fight. And if it’s hard to sell fights, you’ll miss opportunities — especially for the big ones. His Excellency has made it clear: ‘If you’re not entertaining — you’re not on my shows,’” Hearn said in an interview with Fight Hub TV.