Promoter Eddie Hearn vows to build strongest stable in boxing after Matchroom strikes $1bn USA streaming deal with DAZN

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has vowed to build the strongest stable in the sport after agreeing a $1bn (£740m) US broadcasting deal with streaming platform DAZN.

The eight-year deal, the biggest of its kind in boxing history, will see Hearn’s recently established American operation Matchroom USA stage 16 fights a year in the country exclusively for DAZN.

Hearn says the money from DAZN, owned by UK sports media company Perform Group, will free him to attract the biggest names to Matchroom.

Read more: City A.M.’s interview with Eddie Hearn

“This is a historic moment for Matchroom and the sport of boxing,” he said.

“Since our expansion to the US, we have been looking for a partner that shares our vision and that can give us the volume of dates and rights fees required to build the strongest stable in world boxing and take it to a new level.

“This is a dream scenario for us, we can build a formidable team of fighters and also put our stamp on events from production to talent to in arena experience. Our plan is to make DAZN the home of boxing and with 32 big fight nights already confirmed from the US and UK we are nicely on our way.”

The deal follows a triumphant period in the UK for Matchroom, who have sold over 1m tickets to fights in the last five years thanks to the success of former and current world champions such as Carl Froch, Kell Brook and Anthony Joshua.

“I’m excited about working with Matchroom,” said Perform Group chief executive Simon Denyer.

“We share the same passion and vision for reigniting boxing in the US and it’s time for DAZN to provide an exciting new platform for these great events. It’s a better deal for everyone – especially fight fans.”