Eddie Hearn cancels fight just hours before start due to 'betting irregularities' as investigation opened

06/23/2024 06:36 AM

Eddie Hearn cancelled the Aqib Fiaz vs Kane Baker fight after being informed of some alleged ‘betting irregularities’.

Fiaz and Baker were set to meet in a huge showdown on the undercard of Tyler Denny’s win over Felix Cash at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham.

But just hours before the event, Eddie Hearn‘s Matchroom Boxing announced via official statement that the fight had been cancelled.

It read: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Aqib Fiaz vs Kane Baker 2 is now off.”

It was later revealed that the fight was cancelled due to betting ‘irregularities’ which were identified before the event was set to take place.

The decision was made by Hearn to pull the fight from the card, having held talks with the Gambling Commission and the British Boxing Board of Control.

He then told iFL TV: “I was made aware of some irregular betting activity surrounding that fight.

“Myself and the team had to react to it, we spoke to the BBofC and I decided to pull the fight pending an investigation that will take place.

“That information was provided to us, I spoke to several people regarding the matter and decided to pull the fight.

“There is an investigation taking place, and I’m sure the board will be making further comments as they will be looking into it.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever dealt with that situation in 15 years, it was unique and disappointing but I’m sure the facts will come out.”

This is an extremely rare occurrence, one which was unprecedented and quickly dealt with by the promoter.

Fiaz and Baker had already touched gloves with the former grabbing a win on points during their October 2020 showdown.

It is unclear if the fight will be rescheduled, but the boxers will hope that the situation can be resolved.

In the main event, Cash fell to a disastrous fate as he was stopped for the first time in his career after suffering a gruesome cut following an accidental head clash.

Also on the card, Lewis Crocker continued his undefeated streak with a unanimous decision win over Conah Walker.

But Shannon Ryan fell to a stunning defeat against fellow unbeaten star Emma Dolan on a narrow split decision.