“We have a truly world-class stable of fighters, and you will soon see more announcements for others signing extended terms with us, along with some new signings,” Hearn said.
Hearn is playing a classic “buy low, hold long” game. By locking them up now, he avoids the headache of a bidding war once they enter arenas or are courted by the new deep pockets of Zuffa Boxing.
He essentially creates a closed ecosystem. With that massive new DAZN extension through 2031, he has the guaranteed dates to keep these guys active, which is the ultimate leverage for a young fighter who just wants to stay busy.
The timing is no accident. With Conor Benn recently jumping to Zuffa for that $15 million payday, Hearn realized his “gentleman’s agreements” weren’t enough. He moves to iron-clad, long-term contracts for the 21-23 age group.
It’s cheaper to double a prospect’s salary now than to try to match a Vegas-backed offer once they’re 15-0 with a British title around their waist. He builds a “fortress” around his domestic talent to ensure that if anyone wants it, they will have to pay Matchroom a king’s ransom in walk-off or release fees.
The timing is no accident. With Conor Benn recently jumping to Zuffa for that $15 million payday, Hearn realized his “gentleman’s agreements” weren’t enough. He moves to iron-clad, long-term contracts for the 21-23 age group.
He doesn’t just stop with Liddard and Visioli. Looking at the rest of the stable, the pattern is identical:
Jimmy Science: Another Tony Sims protégé who just picked up the English middleweight title on the same Copper Box card. Expect his “expansion” announcement any day now.
Pat Brown: The cruiserweight powerhouse positioned as the heir to the domestic throne. He is already being used as a face for the new DAZN 2026-2031 launch.
Cameron Vuong: He won the WBO European lightweight title last year and is set for the same path as Visioli.
Junaid Boston: “Star Boy” is already a Commonwealth Silver champion. Hearn has him on a multi-fight deal that likely has “renewal” written before he can touch a world title.
