Rumors about Matchroom, a major British sports company, potentially going public have circulated for years. Even in 2023, Matchroom’s chief, Eddie Hearn, mentioned in Sport Business: “Eventually, we will take this company public, and the timing depends on how aggressively we pursue it.”

Two years later, speculation about Matchroom’s sale continues. In an interview with iFL this week, Hearn addressed the possibility of transitioning from private ownership to public trading. “If it ever comes to an end,” he stated, “I’d like it to end with us.”

Boxing

Hearn Discusses Selling Matchroom & Retirement

The boxing promoter has been a key figure in the sport for over ten years.

As one of the most influential and dominant promoters in boxing, Hearn has successfully reshaped Matchroom’s boxing division. He has outpaced his competitors, elevating the sport’s profile in the UK to such an extent that fights moved from indoor arenas to England’s largest stadiums.

There was a time when Hearn’s heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, was a more consistent draw at Wembley Stadium than even England’s national football team—an impressive accomplishment. Hearn also achieved mainstream recognition with stars like Katie Taylor, managed Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez for years, and orchestrated a high-profile clash between internet celebrities Logan Paul and KSI.

At 45, given his stature in boxing, Hearn could continue shaping the sport for at least another ten or twenty years. However, his recent remarks suggest he is always thinking ahead, keeping the door open for a potential sale of Matchroom or even stepping away from the industry in the future.

“The sport never stops. When does it end? When do you step away?”

“Staying too long in any industry is risky,” Hearn remarked. “The exit must be well-timed. People say, ‘You’ll be like [Bob] Arum, still involved at 93.’ And I respond, ‘No chance.’ But at the same time—maybe. Because I’m hooked on boxing, business, and the hustle. I love it.

“It won’t be in three or five years, but it might not be too far off either. There’s a lot I want to experience in life,” Hearn continued. “I’ve sacrificed much for this company, but that’s my role, my passion. Still, life exists beyond it.”

During the interview, iFL’s Colm McGuigan asked whether Hearn’s role would significantly change if Matchroom goes public. “Possibly,” Hearn admitted.

“It depends on the business strategy. In a full sale, you typically step away, but usually, there’s a transitional service contract. I like to believe I’ve built enough influence that Matchroom wouldn’t be as valuable without me. Also, it’s a massive company—people underestimate how successful our snooker and darts divisions are.”

“You always have to plan for the future. And now, more than ever, I think

about what comes next.”