EDDIE HEARN has spoken of the financial difficulties of hosting boxing events amid the coronavirus crisis ahead of Dillian Whyte’s fight against Alexander Povetkin.
The 41-year-old has been staging cards in the garden of Matchroom’s headquarters in Brentwood every weekend since August 1.
And Hearn has revealed it has been a financial ‘disaster’ to stage events at Fight Camp in his quest to bring live boxing back for fans.
NICE LITTLE HEARNER Inside the Matchroom mansion, Eddie Hearn’s former home converted into an office with gym, pool and helipad
But he has insisted it has been necessary for the promotion after the sport was impacted by Covid-19 for almost six months.
In an interview with Sky Sports’ Head of Boxing Adam Smith via DAZN, Hearn said: “This whole experience has been wild.
“I was worried about this, because of all the egos that we’re bringing into the bubble, but everyone has really embraced it.
“Everyone is walking around here with smiles on their faces. Dillian Whyte and his team are in their winnebagos (RVs) playing Playstation.
REAL ED ACHE
“I can’t believe the success of this project. And to finish it with a show like this, with five fights like these — particularly the two huge fights on top — I’m really proud.”
Before adding: “This is a massive time for boxing. It’s the first time since boxing has returned that we’ve seen such big fights and a lot of people will be tuning in to witness.
“Financially, no gate for a card like this is a disaster. But we’ve worked so hard over the last 10 years that I wasn’t prepared to come back and not make a statement.
“This is our way of making a statement, and you do that by investing. We’ve had a very fruitful 10 years, so we can [afford to spend] a few quid to keep our momentum going.
“We’re going to make sure that boxing can continue to thrive as a sport, and that Matchroom as a business can continue to thrive.
“It’s no secret: We’ve lost the gate. We’ve lost the crowd. That’s a million pounds. So, how do we replace that? Hopefully, we replace it by doing great numbers and reducing costs, such as staging the fights here.
“And with us investing our money into this concept and fighters taking less money, we found a way to get it over the line.”
Hearn thrilled his Fight Camp crew on Friday by belting out a brilliant rendition of Ain’t No Sunshine.
