Countdown to Boxing in Times Square

As workers secure bolts on a steel platform amid the bright LED billboards of Times Square on a sunny Thursday afternoon, Eddie Hearn is still coming to grips with the significance of what he’s been involved in creating.

“It’s really happening,” he expresses with a hint of disbelief. “Just two weeks ago, I wasn’t convinced this would turn out. Yet now, we’re just 24 hours away.”

High-Stakes Event

The upcoming invite-only boxing event, featuring headliners Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teófimo López, promises to be a historic occurrence in midtown Manhattan. The venue is secured with ten-foot-high chain-link fencing, surrounded by security personnel. Meanwhile, nearby hot dog vendors compete with city noises and tourists capture the moment with selfies, adding to the mix.

A Unique Approach

“Think of the allure,” Hearn comments. “The audience reach is immense. Shutting down Times Square is iconic. Normally, in traditional promotions, you’d overlook millions in potential revenue, but this is an entirely different scenario.”

Attention-Grabbing Production

This event, orchestrated by The Ring magazine—now under the influence of Saudi boxing promoter Turki al-Sheikh—marks a notable trend towards elaborate and financially backed boxing showcases. While the visuals aimed for a cinematic effect are unprecedented, the actual audience will be quite limited. “It feels reminiscent of Covid times,” Hearn recalls, hinting that some fighters may not perform to expectations.

Strategic Collaboration

Hearn speaks highly of Al-Sheikh, recognizing his relentless drive in making once-improbable matchups a reality. “If he envisions something, it gets done. The mentality shifts from ‘We can’t’ to ‘Let’s figure it out,’” Hearn explains.

Challenges and Moving Forward

Hearn’s involvement in this groundbreaking project as Matchroom Boxing’s figurehead has evolved significantly. “We were brought in to manage the event, and it hasn’t been easy with various challenges needing resolution,” he adds. Without Al-Sheikh’s support, much of this would not come to fruition.

Looking Ahead

As boxing strives to maintain relevance, Hearn insists that the traditional fan base will endure. “We still attracted 96,000 for Joshua versus Dubois at Wembley. Boxing is not fading; it’s expanding,” he asserts, reinforcing his commitment to the sport despite its challenges.