A welterweight unification between champions Jaron Ennis and Brian Norman Jr. has fallen aside after a brief spell of negotiations.
The collapse comes on the again of Ennis’ promoter Eddie Hearn issuing a problem to Norman to ‘get this battle made’ after stating ‘two gives have been made to High Rank‘ for a two-belt battle in 2024.
Nevertheless, after each events mentioned unifying the IBF title in possession of Ennis and Norman’s newly-acquired WBO model, the battle hit a brick wall attributable to a cash dispute.
Norman’s workforce, led by co-manager Adrian Clark, have been completely satisfied to just accept $1.5m assured take-home pay for his or her fighter. It’s reported Hearn was solely providing a flat payment of the identical sum that will then be required to pay out sanctioning and different charges.
Outlining their place, Clark mentioned, “Dude [Hearn is] used to managers accepting no matter for his or her shoppers. We got here to barter and get the most effective deal for Brian Norman. They didn’t need to pay what we requested for. We’ll strive it once more subsequent yr.”
Clark added, “If he have been really taking residence $1.5m, the battle would have gotten finished. Primarily based on the deduction and sanction charges, it wasn’t a suggestion that made sense to take.”
Beforehand, Norman advised YSM Sports activities Media he had accepted Ennis’s supply to battle however was rebuffed till one of many contributors claimed the opposite two straps.
“We accepted the battle. My dad referred to as Bozy [Ennis, Jaron’s father] and advised him we accepted the battle. Then Bozy mentioned, ‘We ain’t attempting to battle proper now. We need to save that for undisputed’. So your daddy is the one who mentioned no, not us.”
Norman added, “The way in which he was speaking, he was speaking like some huge canine. I’m not going for that. There are a variety of fighters bowing all the way down to him; I’m not one among them. I’m myself. You’re no huge canine so long as I’m right here!”
Progress has been made since then, however that appears to have hit an deadlock this week. Followers aren’t completely satisfied that Norman and his workforce received’t settle for what appears a beneficiant payment after the Georgian earned solely $100,000 for his final victory.
Ennis shall be pressured to maneuver on to an ordered rematch with Karen Chukhadzhian by September 3 except there’s reconsideration. The IBF has mandated the battle that may solely be put aside for unification functions.
Norman can be planning to battle Derrieck Cuevas as a substitute of Ennis, at present ranked seventh within the WBO.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra concerning the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
