Hearn plots return of boxing at HQ in July
EDDIE Hearn has revealed ambitious plans to bring back boxing in July by staging a series of shows at his Matchroom headquarters in Brentwood.
Hearn is eager to get a headstart when the sporting lockdown is eased, with the British Boxing Board of Control indicating bouts can return in two months’ time subject to a series of strict regulations.
Hearn said his plans include staging a women’s world title fight between Terri Harper and Natasha Jonas, then Dillian Whyte’s heavyweight clash with Alexander Povetkin.
He said: “It is a huge mission. We are going to turn our headquarters here into an outdoor venue for live boxing, with a full canopy in the middle of the garden and the ring overlooking London.
“We are building changing rooms for the fighters, setting up a space for a ring walk, and figuring out how we can do everything you need for this kind of production with as few people as possible.”
Hearn’s plan, which he says is at an advanced stage, would include placing the fighters and all fight personnel in a local hotel for five days prior to the contest.
They would be subject to coronavirus testing and social distancing would be enforced at all times, meaning the cards would have to be staged without fans or media.
Hearn added: “We are in discussions with the board at the moment. All of this has been done in dialogue with them. We would need the WBC, say, to be comfortable with Board of Control officials.”