After 40 years in the sports promotion business, RingTV reports that Barry Hearn — who founded Matchroom Sports Group — will be leaving the successful business while handing they keys of the kingdom to his son Eddie Hearn, who had essentially taken over Matchroom Boxing in place of his father in recent years.
Eddie Hearn will now serve as chairman for the Matchroom’s group of companies including Matchroom Boxing, Matchroom Boxing USA, Matchroom Sport, Professional Darts Corporation, Matchroom Media, and the PGA EuroPro Tour. Speaking on the promotional Hearn offered these words.
“My father has dedicated his life to the company and since I joined in 2004 I have done the same. Now a greater responsibility falls on my shoulders and I am very proud to continue his great work and lead the business and the incredible team that we have built at Matchroom. We have seen astounding growth in the last ten years but we have only just begun. I look forward to continuously evolving and continuing the global growth of this astonishing family business.”
Barry Hearn would also express his confidence in Eddie, saying he’s extremely proud of what Matchroom has evolved into over the years and that he will remain available to Matchroom’s companies in an advisory role but believes now is the time to hand over control as the business looks to take its next steps into the future.