Following the signing of Tom Aspinall by the new Matchroom Talent Agency, Eddie Hearn hints that more big names from MMA could follow.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn appears to be expanding his offensive beyond the boxing ring. It was announced on Friday that the newly formed Matchroom Talent Agency has signed Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall as its first big name.
At the helm of the new project is Hearn himself, who has been involved in an open power struggle with Dana White in recent months. The UFC president is now also considered one of the most influential new players in professional boxing, having set up his own promotion with Zuffa Boxing. White recently scored a highly symbolic hit when he lured former Matchroom fighter Conor Benn to his new boxing project. Now Hearn, for his part, seems to be moving into White’s territory – the world of mixed martial arts.
Aspinall as a trailblazer
“Since the news of the launch of Matchroom Talent Agency broke yesterday, we have been inundated with inquiries from a number of high profile athletes from sport and entertainment,” explained Hearn. “So stay tuned – you’ll see who we sign up next.” Aspinall was also enthusiastic about the new partnership. “I needed a stronger voice in my corner to develop commercially inside and outside the Octagon,” said the Brit. “I’m very excited to be working with Matchroom Talent Agency. Maybe other MMA fighters will see this and realize the money I’m going to make – maybe I can be a trailblazer for them.”
Hearn is convinced that his new client in martial arts has long deserved greater commercial recognition. “Tom Aspinall must be recognized for the revenue he generates,” explained Hearn. “Tom is one of the absolute elite. He is the most dangerous man in the world in MMA. The undisputed heavyweight champion – and we’re delighted to be in his corner. He’s the first of many big names we’re looking to sign to our new Matchroom Talent Agency.”