Promoter Eddie Hearn has shed light on the reasons behind Floyd Schofield's absence from the Grand Arrivals event in Riyadh, where he is set to face WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson this Saturday. According to Hearn, Schofield's decision not to attend is linked to the British Boxing Board of Control's strict weight check requirements. The board mandates a mid-week weigh-in, which adds pressure on fighters who must dehydrate and rehydrate within a short timeframe. This policy has sparked debate over its fairness and impact on fighters' performance. Hearn also hinted at potential consequences if Schofield fails to meet the Wednesday check-weight, including the possibility of finding an alternative opponent for Stevenson.
The Controversy Surrounding Mid-Week Weigh-Ins
Boxing promoters are questioning the effectiveness of mid-week weigh-ins, particularly in international events. Prominent figure Eddie Hearn expressed concerns about the British Boxing Board of Control's stringent rules, which require fighters to undergo a weight check on Wednesday before the official weigh-in on Friday. This additional requirement places extra strain on athletes who must manage their hydration levels twice within a week. The practice is unique to Saudi Arabia, as no other major boxing commission enforces such a rule. Fighters like Floyd Schofield find themselves in a challenging position, balancing preparation for the fight with meeting these stringent regulations.
Hearn emphasized that while the intention behind the mid-week weigh-in may be to ensure fair competition, it inadvertently affects fighters' training schedules and physical condition. The promoter pointed out that many international competitors only learn about this requirement upon arrival, leading to last-minute adjustments. The process of dehydrating and rehydrating multiple times can significantly impact a fighter's performance. Hearn suggested that Turki Alashikh, the organizer of events in Saudi Arabia, should reconsider this policy to prevent fighters from missing weight or underperforming due to excessive stress on their bodies.
Potential Impact on Upcoming Fights
The implications of failing to meet the mid-week weigh-in could have far-reaching effects on upcoming matches. If Floyd Schofield does not meet the required weight by Wednesday, there is a possibility that his bout against Shakur Stevenson might be canceled. In such a scenario, promoter Eddie Hearn would need to find an alternative opponent for Stevenson to ensure the fight goes ahead. This contingency plan underscores the importance of adhering to weight regulations but also highlights the challenges faced by fighters and promoters alike.
Hearn reiterated that ensuring Stevenson remains active and ready for his highly anticipated clash with Gervonta Davis is paramount. Should Schofield fail to meet the weight, Hearn might consider one of his UK-based fighters as a replacement. This approach guarantees that Stevenson stays sharp and prepared for future high-profile bouts. The promoter's emphasis on maintaining Stevenson's momentum reflects the broader concerns about how strict weight-check policies can disrupt carefully planned match-ups and affect the overall quality of fights.