Eddie Hearn’s rebuttal about DAZN rumors
During the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, British promoter Eddie Hearn took to social media to answer questions. This kept things fresh for the fans while boxing is making a comeback.
This is nothing new for the DAZN/Matchroom Boxing promoter. Moreover, he has spawned quite a few podcasts to go even further in keeping fans entertained. However, recent news has surfaced from the Financial Times of DAZN’s billionaire owner Len Blavatnik looking to sell off a stake in the business, if not the entire company outright.
It seems to have caused quite a ruckus within the boxing community on social media. Many believe this is a sign that perhaps the streaming service is about to go belly-up. Also, this is reinforced with reports of subscribers either canceling or pausing payments due to sports being on hold.
The streaming service company themselves have looked to withhold payments to other sports leagues. Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has hit everyone hard, causing a global effect in every facet of the sports world.
Of course, with this news surfacing, the quick-witted British promoter would be asked about it the minute the notification sounded off that he was online.
HEARN ADDRESSES THE RUMORS
Hearn took the question head-on and with a little bit of a defiant tone. He sounded positive that things are probably not as bad as some are making out to be.
“There is no DAZN situation, you know. Every time I post, I’ve got a million bots that go ‘oh yeah DAZN going broke, DAZN this and that just wait and see.’
We got a meeting on Friday to discuss the schedule coming up. It ain’t ideal time for anybody if you got a subscription company that thrives off live sports and there have been no live sports. It’s obviously not the best, but we’re cracking on mate.”
In fairness to that statement, this isn’t the first time something like this has been rumored. There was a time when Premier Boxing Champions was being said to possibly be going out of business. Furthermore, let’s not forget when HBO abandoned boxing, it wasn’t something to cheer and nor is this because in the end, the sport and fighters are most affected.
If you truly love the sport, then it’s unfathomable as to why anyone would celebrate the possibility of their demise.
By: Garrisson Bland
