Shannon Courtenay 'still has a huge future' and will target Rachel Ball rematch, says Eddie Hearn
Whyte fights Povetkin, plus Taylor vs Persoon II, on Saturday live on Sky Sports Box Office
Monday 17 August 2020 16:45, UK
Shannon Courtenay gained "respect" from climbing off the floor but must now "bounce back" from a shock defeat, says promoter Eddie Hearn.
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Courtenay was knocked down then outpointed by Rachel Ball last Friday, her first career defeat in her sixth fight.
"Physically she was fine," said Hearn. "Emotionally? Distraught.
"When you are a young prospect and you lose a fight, to her the world is over. I tried to explain to her that her world is just beginning.
"People love to see great fights. If you jump into these fights too early, you get the respect from the public, especially if you get up off the deck.
"Most people had Courtenay winning. I had it as a draw. It could have gone either way.
"She got up from a huge knock-down.
"It's hard taking a defeat but you have to bounce back.
"I told her: 'Soak it up, feel this pain. Don't worry about being happy or smiling. Feel how horrible this feeling is and use it as energy to come back stronger'.
"We'll look to make the rematch. She still has a huge future."
Watch Whyte-Povetkin and Taylor-Persoon 2 on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, from 7pm. Book it via your Sky remote or book it online here. Even if you aren't a Sky TV subscriber you can book and watch it here.
