Exploring Boxing's Popularity Across the Pond
Within the United Kingdom, boxing stands as a dominant force in the realm of sports. Renowned British promoter Eddie Hearn expressed to Fight Hype that boxing holds a significant position, ranking among the top sports in the nation. Hearn, the mastermind behind Matchroom Boxing, is recognized as one of the leading promoters globally.
Despite his success in the UK, Hearn has been striving to make a mark in the American sports scene. However, he acknowledges the challenge of breaking through in the US market, where boxing has seen a decline in mainstream appeal. The landscape in America, particularly in 2024, presents hurdles for traditional boxing events to capture widespread attention, unless they feature a unique or novelty aspect.
Reflecting on the differences between the two countries, Hearn noted that in the United States, the reliance on boxing media becomes more pronounced to generate interest and draw audiences to the sport.
Challenges of Growing U.S. Boxing Talent
According to boxing promoter, there are challenges in growing U.S. talent due to lack of media coverage. He expressed disappointment in the national media's lack of interest in following boxing, which he believes hinders the recognition of talented American boxers.
The promoter mentioned renowned boxers like Crawford and Wilder, emphasizing that they should be national superstars given their skills and achievements. He particularly highlighted Wilder's exciting style and world heavyweight champion status, suggesting that the national media should be more involved in promoting such athletes.
Additionally, the promoter discussed upcoming talent like Devin Haney, noting the difficulty in breaking through to the national media due to boxing's lower priority in the sports hierarchy. In contrast, he pointed out that in England, boxing receives greater media attention, with press conferences attracting coverage from across the country.
While Haney and his opponent Ryan Garcia are expected to draw attention, especially with Garcia's active presence on social media, the promoter underscored the challenges American boxers face in gaining widespread media coverage and recognition.
Eddie Hearn's Influence in Boxing
Regardless of his level of success in the United States, Eddie Hearn undeniably stands at the pinnacle of boxing's promotional, managerial, and advisory hierarchy. While Anthony Joshua shines brightly in the realm of Matchroom boxing, Hearn also represents renowned fighters such as Katie Taylor, Dmitry Bivol, and Alycia Baumgardner, showcasing his global reach. Not limited to English talent, Brooklyn's Richardson Hitchins will headline a Matchroom event in Las Vegas this weekend, facing off against undefeated junior welterweight Gustavo Lemos on DAZN.
