Hearn Explains Schofield’s Absence: Blames “Strict” Saudi Weight Rule

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes the reason Floyd Schofield didn’t attend today’s Grand Arrivals in Riyadh for his fight against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson on Saturday is that he’s training so he can make the BBB of C’s check-weight on Wednesday.

(Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom)

Hearn says the British Boxing Board of Control operates the events in Saudi Arabia, and they have a rule that all fighters must have a weight check on Wednesday ahead of their weigh-in on Friday. As Hearn points out, it’s a rule that makes it difficult for the fighters because they have to make weight twice, and it’s time-consuming.

It’s hard on a fighter’s body to drain down twice in a week. That’s something Turki Alashikh is going to need to fix if he doesn’t want fighters missing weight left and right or putting in poor performances. This is a rule that can affect even the big names that Turki brings over.

A “Bad Policy”

Hearn didn’t say whether the Stevenson-Schofield fight will be canceled if Schofield fails to make weight on Wednesday at the check-weight. If it’s canceled, Hearn may have to dig up one of his UK fighters to be used as the opponent for Shakur. That’s one way of ensuring Shakur doesn’t lose before he gets that big cash-out fight that Hearn is pushing for against Gervonta Davis.

“I don’t represent Floyd Schofield, but what I believe is one of the issues is the British Boxing Board of Control operate the events out here [Saudi Arabia]. They have a very strict rule of a check-weight on the Wednesday of fight week,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to Neverfoldsports about why Floyd Schofield failed to attend today’s Grand Arrivals in Riyadh for his fight this Saturday night against Shakur Stevenson.

“I’m not saying that’s a bad rule, but nowhere else in the world, to my knowledge, of any major commission has that rule. So, any international fighter that comes over should be told weeks in advance; some only find out when they get there. That’s not our job because it’s not our fighter,” Hearn continued about why he believes Schofield didn’t show up for Tuesday’s Grand Arrivals.

“Basically, and this is where I think it’s a bad policy, fighters are really focusing on making that weight for the check-weight. Then they’re rehydrating after the check-weight, and then they’re going forward for another weigh-in today’s later.

“I can’t give you the doctor’s opinion if it’s a good rule or a bad rule, but it’s a rule, and that’s the way it is. So, all of a sudden, you’ve got a situation with a fighter like Floyd Schofield has to make a check-weight tomorrow. He might want to train tonight. He doesn’t really want to be coming to the Grand Arrivals, going, ‘Hello everybody.’ He’s getting ready for the check-weight tomorrow. That’s why I believe he’s not here tonight,” said Hearn.