Eddie Hearn Worried Boxing Might ‘Fizzle Out’ In UK

Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn admits he’s a bit worried about the state of boxing in the UK.

Hearn has put on numerous events in the UK over the years. While fans have attended these cards in droves for the likes of Anthony Joshua, the COVID-19 pandemic has made its presence felt.

England has been on lockdown several times and now, large gatherings have been put on hold once again, including boxing. Soccer is still allowed, which doesn’t sit well with Hearn.

Here’s what the top promoter had to say about the potential consequences of not being able to hold boxing events in front of live crowds in the UK (via BoxingScene.com).

“If all the other elite sports are allowed to return and boxing wasn’t allowed to then it can fizzle out very quickly. The Board are definitely set on it but what we have learnt over the last year is anything can happen at any time. You would hope the infection rate is coming down but we still have another four weeks before the first show.

“I know boxing is different to football but the quality of our bubbles, and the testing and isolation of fighters, is so different to football, for example, where you might be tested and go home and then pop to Dubai. I feel we have a really good system in place but there is a difference in medical care in our sport versus others. Anything is possible but right now I feel everyone is committed to the return of boxing in February. And I don’t think we have any choice, if the sport is going to survive.”

Hearn has discussed the possibility that Joshua vs. Tyson Fury won’t be held in the UK. That’s because both fighters would need to take a pay cut due to the restrictions.