Hearn hits back at Warren’s verbal jab

Eddie Hearn has hit back at Frank Warren after his rival’s claim that he would “slap him down” if he were his son.

The promoters are going head to head with pay-per-view events on Saturday week – Hearn with Dillian Whyte against Dereck Chisora, in London, and Warren with featherweights Josh Warrington and Carl Frampton.

The war of words began last weekend, when Warren said: “I’ve never spoken to Eddie Hearn in my life, but he annoys me. People need to hear this, and on the record. It’s Eddie Hearn’s father, Barry Hearn, who runs that business.

“The kid just goes off talking rubbish. He has an ego which is awful. If he was my kid, I’d slap him down.”

Response: Eddie Hearn says Frank Warren is jealous of success enjoyed by Matchroom

Hearn waited until yesterday to respond, telling Talksport that Warren’s outburst stemmed from jealousy at Matchroom’s success.

“I saw Frank Warren say if I was his son, he would give me a smack. Looking at his financial accounts, he probably wishes I was his son,” he said. “He was like us once. He was a young man controlling the boxing game and we’re just doing our thing. Our business is bigger than boxing.”

Hearn has also told Tyson Fury to give him a call if he is seriously interested in fighting Anthony Joshua – who is likely to take on the winner of Whyte-chisora at Wembley in April – and insists he could sort out the mega fight in “five minutes”.

Elsewhere, ITV yesterday announced a new three-year deal with Haymon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions, guaranteeing “a minimum of 15 televised events each year”.