Legendary boxing promoter Eddie Hearn landed a major talent to headline his newly-formed Matchroom Talent Agency. Hearn announced Thursday that he signed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to the agency.
Hearn sent out a graphic on social media making the news official. Aspinall, meanwhile, released a nearly six-minute video laying out some specifics about the deal.
While Hearn’s background is in boxing, where he has played major roles in the promotion of Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor, Hearn will serve in a more managerial role for Aspinall. The move is not an indication that Aspinall is about the enter the world of boxing. Hearn confirmed as much during Aspinall’s video, saying, “He has a contract with the UFC, so this isn’t about bringing him into boxing.”
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The move comes as Hearn and current UFC boss Dana White are locked in a verbal back-and-forth, in which White criticized Hearn for working for his dad, fight promoter Barry Hearn. Shortly after that, White managed to steal Conor Benn away from Matchroom Boxing, a separate company run by Hearn. Benn left the company in favor of White’s Zuffa boxing, a massive blow to Hearn and Matchroom.
But Hearn landed a massive blow Thursday with the Aspinall announcement. The move comes as a massive surprise, especially considering Aspinall has been pursued by various managers over his career, but had opted to allow his dad to represent him, per Uncrowned’s Ariel Helwani.
As Hearn stated in Aspinall’s YouTube video, the fighter still has a contract with UFC. That could make things even more awkward between Hearn and White, as UFC has — in the past — refused to negotiate with certain managers, per Helwani.
White and UFC can attempt a similar tactic with Aspinall, but that could backfire if Aspinall demands Hearn be present during fight negotiations. Aspinall isn’t a free-agent fighter, as Helwani explained, Aspinall is the heavyweight champ. His demands carry weight.
This story will be updated.
