The promoter wants to dominate the business – and that means outdoing his competitive dad, Barry. He reflects on his privileged childhood, his beef with the boxing authorities and why he is so driven
In Eddie Hearn’s huge Essex office, a huge photograph of Muhammad Ali knocking out Sonny Liston hangs above his desk. Towards the door is a huge bottle of Courvoisier given to him by somebody he can’t remember. The office overlooks a huge garden with its helipad and attached forest. Hearn doesn’t understand the concept of small. He is a giant of a man, mega-successful, motor-mouthed, stonkingly wealthy, with a desire to best the opposition that verges on the pathological.
Take the relatively understated scoreboard on his cabinet, pitting him against his father, Barry – the founder of their Matchroom Sport empire and a rival for the title of Britain’s leading sport promoter, though he is now officially retired. “Boxing skills, 1-0 to Eddie. Snooker skills, 1-0 to Barry. Instagram followers, 62 to Barry, 1.2 million to Eddie.” And on it goes. “Amazon book reviews, 33 to Barry; 1,370 for Eddie. Height: Barry 6ft 2in, Eddie 6ft 5in. Golf handicap: Barry 19, Eddie 15.” The final score gives Eddie a 5-4 victory. To say that father and son are competitive is like saying Imelda Marcos had a fondness for footwear.
