Eddie Hearn

Eddie Hearn is an inspirational leadership figure whose journey into becoming the Chairman of Matchroom Sport and the Professional Darts Corporation is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven success. Raised in Essex and the son of legendary promoter Barry Hearn, Eddie forged his own path by refusing to let early setbacks define him. After failing to get into sixth form at Brentwood School due to poor GCSE results, he enrolled at Havering College, determined to make something of himself. With sheer grit and his father’s encouragement, Eddie turned the disappointment of rejection into a relentless drive to win – on his own terms.

Eddie began his career in sports management, representing professional golfers before moving into online poker promotion. But his defining moment came in 2010 when a chance meeting with boxer Audley Harrison at a poker game led to a title shot against David Haye – and Eddie’s entry into the world of boxing promotion. From there, he never looked back. In 2013, he signed Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua and guided him to global superstardom. Eddie promoted record-breaking fights including Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium, which drew 90,000 fans, and Carl Froch vs George Groves II, attended by 80,000 spectators—then the richest fight in British boxing history.

As Chairman of the Matchroom Group since 2021, Eddie has revolutionised boxing by securing the sport’s first-ever $1 billion streaming deal with DAZN, ending Matchroom’s decades-long partnership with Sky Sports. He’s also transformed the landscape for women’s sport, co-promoting the first women’s headline fight at Madison Square Garden in 2022 – Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano – a milestone for gender equality in boxing. Beyond the ring, Eddie leads Matchroom’s ventures in darts, snooker, and pool, driving massive global growth and expanding the reach of traditionally niche sports to millions.

As a keynote speaker, Eddie shares the unfiltered truth of building a brand, leading through pressure, and innovating in saturated industries. His charisma, strategic insight and passion for performance inspire audiences to think boldly, act decisively, and lead with authenticity. Eddie’s story is more than business success—it’s about courage, creativity, and the belief that with vision and action, anything is possible.