With 40 years of success in iconic sports such as boxing, darts and snooker under their belt, Matchroom’s latest venture promises to shake up how some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment are managed.

And Hearn, 46, could not hide his excitement for the future when he introduced UFC heavyweight champ Aspinall to the media as the first signing of what is set to be a star-studded roster.

He said: “Ultimately, we’ve represented athletes for over 40 years. I’ve dealt with all different kinds of sportsmen — and I know how to drive value and build profiles.

“I know how to stand alongside them and ensure they get what they deserve. I felt this venture was the natural progression. 

Hearn promises to blow up the internet with Aspinall

“Tom’s the undisputed heavyweight champion — there’s nothing bigger than that.

“He’s been through a bit of a tough time but how is he not an even bigger star than he already is? What we can create is the news and the hype that can blow up the internet — and that’s what we’ve done.

“Now we can build his profile and his brand to ensure he gets everything he deserves commercially.

“I want to make sure Tom’s rewarded commercially for the revenue he drives. Without the talent and without the fighters, that revenue can’t be driven.

“He’s the elite. But when I spoke to him for the first time, it felt as though he didn’t realise just how big a star he is. We’ve got an interesting future ahead.”

Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images

Aspinall ready to go to another level in and out of the Octagon 

Aspinall, who is recovering after undergoing multiple eye surgeries, added: “There’s a lot of value that we can make outside of the cage and Eddie’s seen that.

“I wanted to broaden my horizons and make as much outside of the Octagon as inside it. I want to get back in there as soon as I can.

“I’m back in the gym now and the full focus is on coming back and doing my thing, but it’s in the hands of the doctors. I just want to focus on my fighting.”

With 32-year-old contracted to the UFC, questions have been raised as to how Hearn’s relationship with Dana White could affect the deal.

But Hearn moved swiftly to play down the verbal sparring. He said: “I think that’s going to pass and blow over.

“The phone hasn’t stopped since yesterday and I’ve already had a dozen MMA fighters on asking how this is going to work. 

“Tom’s the people’s champion and now he can get what he deserves to go to the next level. This isn’t just limited to the world of sport.”

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