Eddie Hearn CANCELS fight at the last minute due to ‘betting irregularities’ in ‘extremely uncomfortable’ situation

BOXING promoter Eddie Hearn has canceled the fight between British rivals Aqib Fiaz and Kane Baker due to irregular betting patterns.

The super featherweight rematch would take place on the undercard of Tyler Denny v Felix Cash in Birmingham on Saturday night.

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But just hours before the show began, Hearn’s promotional company, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed that the fight would not take place.

The statement read: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Aqib Fiaz Vs. Kane Baker 2 is cancelled.

“Before The Bell now starts at 4:45pm with the first fight at 5:15pm. The DAZN live stream begins at 7pm as originally planned.”

Hearn then revealed after the show that the reason for the cancellation was due to betting irregularities.

Speaking with Social boxinghe said: “As soon as I got the information, I investigated. I did it alone, I did it with my team, I did it with the gaming committee and I made the decision to give up the fight.

“When I did that, I spoke to the British Boxing Board of Control, told them everything I had done and said I’m going to pull out of the fight.

“They agreed with me and it will now be up to them to carry out their own investigation.

“In 15 years I have never faced a situation like this. Pre-fight, two weeks before, 16 weeks before, never, it was something new for me.

“The truth will come out, but all the information I received at the time made me extremely uncomfortable and led me to give up the fight.”

Both fighters have since claimed to have had no involvement in the alleged betting activity.

Fiaz, who beat Baker in his first fight of 2020, posted: “Tonight’s fight was canceled due to a situation I was not aware of and had no involvement in.

“I have been advised not to comment at this time.”

While Baker said: “People talking about the interview and fans saying I quit.

“I am an honest fighter. You all know me. You know what I do. I accept tough fights and leave them in the ring.

“All I do is make what I can for my family. I’m no cheater. I’ve never and would never bet against myself to lose a fight, no matter how hard I’m under pressure.”

“I’m happy that the investigation is continuing and I’m happy that anyone around me is being investigated.

“My entire career could be investigated. NO ONE on Team Baker placed bets. Nobody on my team agreed with me losing any fight.

“I don’t give a fuck what the other team says. I would never dive without shit.”