A recent TV streaming deal with DAZN has added to Hearn’s long-standing partnership with Sky Sports in the UK and now means Matchroom will only have 12 free weeks without a show per year.
Hearn has begun scouting the necessary talent to cope with the demand those extra shows will create as Matchroom aim to reshape the landscape of the sport for years to come.
“It’s been a crazy few weeks,” said Hearn in his Daily Mail column.
“Following Tony Bellew’s epic victory over David Haye, we flew to America to announce the biggest TV rights deal in the history of the sport with a $1bn deal with The Perform Group to promote 16 shows in America to be broadcast live on their digital platform DAZN which will launch in America later this year.
“It’s a blessing to be given this opportunity to build an unrivalled stable of fighters and also create shows and production from a blank canvas and attempt to change the face of boxing in the US just like we have here.
“It’s surreal to think that from September we will be promoting more than 40 shows a year worldwide – it’s a huge amount of work but we are up for the challenge.”
Moving a huge chunk of their load to America has been a starting point as Hearn adds a base in the Big Apple to his Brentwood UK headquarters.
“We have opened an office in New York in the old Chase Manhattan building just off Wall Street and despite some negativity from the old guard, the deal, as it should be, has been welcomed with open arms by fans and particularly fighters.
“We begin in September and the great news for UK fans is that all 16 of our DAZN US shows will also be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports,” added Hearn.
A number of high profile stars from around the world have already been linked to signing with Hearn, who has targeted top American fighters to appease his DAZN audience.
