Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn claims he is in talks with NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown over a potential boxing match.
Brown was released by the New England Patriots in September following allegations of sexual assault. Most recently, an arrest warrant was issued for Brown on a felony charge of burglary and battery.
Despite his problems with the law, the 31-year-old could still find himself with a new career option. Earlier this month, Brown challenged YouTube personality Logan Paul to a fight, sparking speculation that they could box next.
square up @LoganPaul
— AB (@AB84) January 7, 2020
i’d drop you faster than the patriots https://t.co/Vv592JRkxk
— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) January 7, 2020
And Hearn — who promoted Paul’s big boxing rematch with fellow YouTube personality KSI back in November — is looking to cash in on what would be another mainstream attraction.
Hearn says he is already negotiating with Brown’s team. While he feels Brown’s priority is to get signed by another NFL team, if that isn’t the case, a fight with Paul could happen next.
“I’m just learning about him [Brown]. He’s a crazy guy,” Hearn told talkSPORT. “I feel like he’s trying to get a team and if he doesn’t get a team he will take the fight. He wants to do it. We’ve made him a couple of offers. We are negotiating with his guys at the moment and they want a lot of money.
“We are talking millions of dollars. For me, being a Brit, I don’t necessarily see the size of Antonio Brown. DAZN and our US partners are saying this is a big, big fight. It’s a whole different demographic. This isn’t a YouTuber, this is a national sports star who was a huge star in a sport that’s followed by basically the entire country. We’d like to make this happen but speaking to his agents, his priority is to get on a team.”
Antonio Brown getting some work in on the pads 👀🥊
(🎥 // @AB84) pic.twitter.com/jxN7zswB0F
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 15, 2020
Hearn, meanwhile, told ESPN that Paul has already agreed to terms for a fight which would likely take place on April 25. They’re just waiting on Brown, who has been offered a seven-figure deal.
“We’ve made two offers now to Antonio Brown, and we’re negotiating a fight at the moment,” Hearn said. “I don’t know if it’s going to happen, but we’re working on it. Obviously, it’s a fight that DAZN is very serious about, very excited about.
“Logan Paul has agreed to terms with the fight. Really, we’re just trying to tie up Antonio Brown’s end.”
A boxing bout between Brown and Paul would certainly be a huge event. However, it all hinges on whether the former doesn’t get signed by another NFL team.