Nov 30, 2020, 1:00 AM ETInterview, Fireside Chat

Eddie Hearn on Selling Matchroom For 5 Billion | E58

Eddie Hearn attributes his relentless work ethic to a childhood upbringing where "taking part" was irrelevant; his father, Barry Hearn, only valued winning scores and results.
He identifies a "neurotic obsession" with winning as a central trait, admitting he feels he is "sick in the head" to a degree that fuels his drive.
Hearn notes a psychological pattern where childhood invalidations (poverty, being a minority in a white school, his father's "chav" background) became the specific areas he sought validation through as an adult.
He describes his success as a "drug," stating he is his own biggest critic and uses pessimism to trick himself into overcoming hurdles.

Hearn admits it is "impossible" to be a perfect father or husband while running a global, relentless business, acknowledging this makes him sound like an "arsehole" at times.
He sacrifices significant family time, often working late into the night (up to 4:00 AM) to accommodate US business hours after his family sleeps.
He confesses to being "on empty" during school runs and family time due to the demands of returning from international shows and managing deals.
His wife understands his "relentlessness" but faces moments of frustration, such as when he is physically present but mentally distracted by business contracts.
He believes a partner must have a conversation early in the relationship to understand that business is "extremely important" and cannot be put on hold.

Hearn challenges the stigma around mental health in high-achievers, noting that the older generation often dismisses it as "dusting yourself down."
He experienced a significant anxiety attack lasting four days in a hot tub in Manchester while contemplating a major decision in New York, realizing this was a genuine "mental health predicament."
He attributes his current stability to a "short-term focus," breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable daily goals (e.g., walking the dog, finalizing a contract) to maintain momentum.
Hearn compares his mindset to marathon running: worrying about the full 26 miles causes gas-out, while focusing on the next mile marker keeps him moving.
He views social media as a "toxic place," having personally blocked millions of users but refusing to change his phone number after it was leaked, using the interactions to mock the "wasted life" of his critics.

Hearn aims to replicate the UFC's valuation model (citing Dana White's $4.6 billion exit) for Matchroom Boxing, believing the sport can be even more valuable given its history and credibility.
Despite numerous offers for investment, IPOs, and acquisitions, he and his father have refused to sell or float the company to maintain total control and decision-making power.
He envisions a global expansion with offices in Sydney, Toronto, Mumbai, and Beijing, driven by a desire to "outperform" his father and beat the competition, rather than pure financial necessity.
Hearn admits his current "stability" is actually "chaos"; he feels most at peace and calm when solving crises, such as fights falling through or negotiations failing.
He anticipates an eventual exit but notes that the "cigar on the beach" moment would feel like "chaos" to him, as he struggles to imagine life without forward momentum.
He expresses a desire to end the business journey with his father to look back on their shared legacy, rather than leaving it to be sold off to hedge funds.

Hearn admits that at 41, he has evolved from a "street smart" youth who mocked intellectuals to someone who finds "boffins" fascinating and seeks to absorb knowledge.
He rejects the idea that success at age 20 is the final destination, noting that people rarely achieve their 20-year-old plans by their 40s.
He believes the "deathbed moment" would reveal that trivial concerns (hair, cars) do not matter, and the primary regret would be spending less time with family.
Hearn states he does not need to buy a Lamborghini or mansion anymore, as those goals would leave him feeling "empty" and devoid of purpose.
He emphasizes that being "comfortable with yourself" is the most powerful feeling in life, a state he reached only after years of insecurity and "chipping on his shoulder."
His advice for others is to "keep it simple," avoid overthinking, and understand that the ability to face problems repeatedly makes them second nature.