As Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom continues to make strides in the US market, the promoter has his eye on a handful of young stars who could go onto do big things in the sport of boxing.
The company handled the meteoric rise of Anthony Joshua in the UK and working with Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez as an already established star.
Boxing Social recently asked Hearn if he could identify boxing’s next megastar within his stable, and he named a few young signings with potential.
First up with Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, an undefeated middlweight born in Wisconsin.
“Ammo Williams has got a great opportunity. He’s fighting Steve Rolls on September 23rd in a great show in Orlando.”
Williams is 14-0 with 10 knockouts, fights out of the southpaw stance and has been attempting to make a fight with the UK’s Felix Cash which would see the winner announced as the WBA’s mandatory challenger for a belt currently held by Erislandy Lara.
He faces Steve Rolls next, a 22-2 Canadian who will move down from super-middleweight for that honour.
Next up on Hearn’s list is 22-year-old Diego Pacheco from California.
“I think Diego Pacheco has been one of the standout fighters. 6 foot 4, super-middleweight, knocking everyone out, huge fanbase building in Los Angeles as well.”
The rangey super-middle has an 85% knockout ratio from 19 wins, fought four times in 2022 under Hearn and is set for three outings this year, the final one being in November against Argentina’s Marcelo Esteban Coceres.
Finalled, Hearn named Raymond Ford – 24, New Jersey – as a featherweight with fine potential.
“Ray Ford as well. We’ll see what happens with Wood Warrington, but it’s likely he’s gonna fight Khlomatov for the world title. I think he’s a tremendous talent.”
Ford is 14-0-1 and recently fought the 12-round distance for the first time – a unnanimous decision over tricky southpaw, Jessie Magdaleno.
As the promoter mentioned, he may be in line for a world title shot soon if Leigh Wood’s belt is vacated and challenged for but current mandatory, Otabek Khlomatov.
Hearn talked about pay-per-view stars in general, unable to identify many in the sport as it stands.
“We’ve represented the two biggest pay-per-view stars in the world – Anthony Joshua and Canelo Alvarez. They’re freaks of nature that don’t come around very often.
Outside of them – [and] Tyson Fury – there isn’t really pay-per-view standalone stars. Even Tank needs a dance partner. But I think we’ve got a tremendous young team in America. Give them time to go out and win world titles.”