Eddie Hearn Opens Up About Making Co-Promotional Fights

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn and former boxer turned Golden Boy Promotions Chairman & CEO Oscar De La Hoya are currently two of the biggest names in the world of boxing promotions. The duo is currently gearing up for an iconic event on April 20, 2024, that will air on DAZN. Golden Boy’s phenom, Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs), is set to face Matchroom’s super lightweight superstar, Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) for the WBC super lightweight title at the Barclays Center in New York. As fans wait in anticipation, Hearn opened up about the future of co-promotional fights.

Hearn and De La Hoya recently sat down with Chris Mannix to discuss all things boxing. In conversation, the British sports promoter shared his thoughts about making co-promotional boxing events.

“I think that the problem is actually me and Oscar probably have similar issues in that we’re very outspoken, and we do probably rub people up the wrong way sometimes,” he said. “And the problem in boxing is some people, once you do that, will act off emotion. Rather than act in the best interest of the fighter or the sport.”

Hearn further mentioned that he has had a cordial relationship working with veteran promoter Bob Arum. In fact, he even stated that he could “burn Bob Arum’s house down,” and he would still make a deal with him. “I do think there’s a movement now where people are willing to work more, and I think it really comes down to the networks. I think the sharing of fights, as we’ve seen with ESPN and DAZN, makes it so much easier,” Hearn added.

Will there be a potential Matchroom vs Golden Boy Card?

He was further asked if there would be a Matchroom vs Golden Boy card similar to the one that he did with Frank Warren’s Queensberry. Hearn responded by mentioning that he had a better relationship with Golden Boy than with Queensberry.“I’ve been promoting for 13 years. I’ve never met or spoken to Frank Warren in 13 years. I mean, it’s really not good for, I mean, the rivalry is good because it keeps us hungry,” he said.

Then, turning his attention to Golden Boy Promotions, Hearn added, “We’re on the same platform we get on. I still want to outperform Golden Boy. He still wants to beat Matchroom; he’s a competitor.”

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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