British promoter Eddie Hearn, the man behind Matchroom Boxing, has proudly claimed that boxing is a major sport in the UK. According to Hearn, boxing ranks in the top five, and possibly even the top three, of sports in the United Kingdom. Hearn’s success as a promoter has helped solidify his position as one of the top promoters globally, with a focus on establishing himself in the American market.
Despite his success in the UK, Hearn acknowledges the challenges of penetrating the American market. In the United States, boxing has seen a decline in popularity, except when it involves novelty fights. Hearn highlights the struggle of attracting attention in the US, emphasizing the reliance on boxing media to generate interest. He notes the difficulty of promoting American talent when the national media outlets show little interest in the sport.
Hearn expresses his disappointment in the lack of recognition for American boxing talent by the national media. He mentions fighters like Terence Crawford and Deontay Wilder, who he believes should have been national superstars given their accomplishments. Hearn emphasizes the challenge faced by talented boxers like Devin Haney in breaking through to the national media when boxing is not a priority in the US sporting landscape.
Comparing the situation in the UK, Hearn highlights the difference in media coverage and interest in boxing. In England, he can easily attract all major media outlets to a press conference, showcasing the popularity and support for the sport. This stands in contrast to the struggles faced by American boxers to gain media attention and recognition on a national level.
While discussing the challenges in the American market, Hearn also mentions top talents like Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, set to engage in a highly anticipated fight. Despite the potential for attention due to Garcia’s social media presence, Hearn points out the inherent difficulties in breaking through the US sporting hierarchy. However, Hearn’s success in the UK and global boxing scene solidifies his position as a top promoter, managing a roster of elite fighters including Anthony Joshua, Katie Taylor, Dmitry Bivol, and Alycia Baumgardner.
The future of boxing remains uncertain, with challenges in attracting attention and recognition for American talent. Hearn’s insights into the differences between the UK and US markets shed light on the complexities of promoting the sport on a global scale. As boxing continues to evolve, the efforts of promoters like Eddie Hearn play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and success of the sport.
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