Eddie Hearn: The Mastermind Behind Matchroom Boxing's Global Expansion!
Eddie Hearn, born on June 8, 1979, in London, England, is a British sports promoter and the chairman of Matchroom Sport and Professional Darts Corporation. Hearn has played a significant role in the growth and success of Matchroom Boxing, promoting numerous world champion boxers and organizing high-profile events worldwide.
Eddie Hearn Biography
Early Life and Education
Hearn attended the private Brentwood School in Essex but failed to get into sixth form due to poor GCSE performance. He then went to Havering College of Further and Higher Education, where he studied communications studies, physical education, and business studies, achieving two Cs and one A.
Career in Sports Promotion
Hearn started his career at a sports management company representing golfers before moving on to promote online poker with Matchroom. In 2010, he met boxer Audley Harrison at a poker game and agreed to help rebuild his career.
In April 2021, Hearn was appointed Chairman of the Matchroom Group after his father, Barry Hearn, stepped aside from the role to become president of the group in an advisory capacity. Under Hearn's leadership, Matchroom has continued to expand globally, promoting events in various countries and signing deals with top boxers like Canelo Álvarez and Anthony Joshua.
Notable Achievements
- Promoted the Canelo Álvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders fight in 2021, which broke the all-time attendance record for an indoor boxing event in the United States with 73,126 fans at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- Signed a five-year deal in 2021 to take Matchroom's entire stable of fighters to streaming service DAZN, ending the company's partnership with Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
- Promoted the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano fight at Madison Square Garden in New York City in April 2022.
- Signed a new promotional deal with Anthony Joshua in September 2021 to last until the end of the boxer's career.
Personal Life and Relationships
Hearn lives near Billericay in Essex with his wife Chloe and their two daughters. He generally has good relationships with his fighters, particularly former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew, whose career he helped turn around. In 2020, unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, whom Hearn has promoted since his professional debut in 2013, stated that he and Eddie "will always have a great friendship."
Fitness Transformation
At the age of 44, Hearn underwent a fitness overhaul, transforming his physique through a combination of diet and exercise. He shared his journey in a Men's Health UK video, inspiring others to prioritize their health and well-being.
Conclusion
Eddie Hearn's impact on the world of boxing promotion is undeniable. Through his leadership and vision, Matchroom Boxing has become a global powerhouse, promoting some of the biggest names in the sport and organizing high-profile events worldwide. Hearn's ability to build strong relationships with his fighters and his commitment to fitness and well-being make him a unique figure in the industry.
Eddie Hearn Factsheet 2024
