Eddie Hearn has been a boxing promoter for over a decade and, as such, has experienced the euphoric highs and crushing lows that few other sports can offer up.
Despite being one of the most influential – and richest – men in boxing, however, Hearn has suffered his fair share of embarrassing moments over the years as well.
When appearing on the On A Mission Podcast, the Matchroom boss was not short of stories when asked to recount some of the times when he was left red faced.
“Probably the Audley Harrison [vs David Haye] fight, really.”
“But I remember as well, when ‘AJ’ lost to Andy Ruiz, I thought “we’ve sold out Madison Square Garden, I’m going to wear tuxedo.” Then when he got beat, I thought to myself “I am never wearing this again!””
“There was one moment after a James DeGale fight, I got in the ring and split my trousers. I went through the ropes, I was a bit larger at the time at just heard it go. I could feel my hamstring!”
Hearn will be hoping he is not left with egg on his face this weekend, as his prize heavyweight Anthony Joshua returns to the ring against Jermaine Franklin at the 02 Arena.
Victory is seen as paramount for ‘AJ,’ with a host of pundits already calling for the former unified world champion to retire if he cannot get past Franklin on Saturday night.
Best known by British fans for his fight with Dillian Whyte last autumn, Franklin is a competent fighter and will hope he has landed a date with Joshua at just the right time to pull off a life changing win.