BARRY HEARN fears there will be no big-stadium fights involving Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury until there is a Covid-19 vaccine.
In an exclusive SunSport interview, the Matchroom boss says Government rules on social-distancing may prevent mass crowds assembling for big UK fights.
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Barry Hearn reckons there will be no big stadium fights until there is a coronavirus vaccineCredit: PA:Press Association
Hearn said: “The only time we will defeat this virus properly is when we get a vaccine.
“All the social-distancing in the world is really doing is postponing the potential of another outbreak.
“So it comes down to when we will do big arena shows. My answer would be the moment we have a proper vaccine. That’s very unlikely to be this year.
“Do we honestly think before the end of this year we’ll be allowed 90,000 crowds again?
“I’m playing with someone’s career. Fighters need 12 weeks to prepare. I have to give a date.”
When approved, Hearn aims to put on behind-closed-doors shows.
The public could be waiting a while to see Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua at WembleyCredit: PA:Press Association
Boxers will be routinely tested for coronavirus and, while there will be doctors and medics ringside, there would be minimum disruption on NHS services.
Matchroom will soon appoint a chief medical officer to advise them through a difficult time.
Hearn, 71, reckons there will still be an appetite for pay-per-view events.
He said: “Will people be happy to sit in with 30,000 people one day?
“Or will they say: ‘I’d rather sit at home with you my dear, have a glass of wine, pay £20. It’s safer’.
“There’ll be lots of that. Less coming from abroad, less overseas travel.
Barry Hearn is ready to put on shows behind closed doorsCredit: PA:Press Association
“It will take somewhere around 30 per cent off gate receipts — that can be dramatic.
“Once out of lockdown, there might be a reticence by normal people to gather in a crowd. That will take some time.
“I reckon bigger fights will get priority and then it’s the boxers’ choice.”
Hearn reckons British boxers are missing out on up to £200million during the 2020 hiatus. Though he still thinks Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury could happen in 2021.
Hearn says money will talk and there is no obligation to fight in the UK if it means depriving the two stars of their maximum earning power.
The Essex promoter said: “Our responsibility is to the fighters. I know the traditional fans would be up in arms.
“But I cannot look AJ or Tyson Fury in the face and say: ‘Do us a favour, can you take £20m-£30m less and box here as it would be nice for the fans?’”
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Hearn accepts he “is not Peter Pan any more” a few weeks after suffering a heart attack last month.
Yet it has not slowed him down much and his latest venture is the launch of Matchroom Live, offering fans access to a treasure trove of archive material in boxing, snooker and darts.
It will also broadcast live global sport. For details visit matchroom.live/home
Tyson Fury hits road on his bike and camouflage tracksuit as heavyweight champ trains for Wilder trilogy
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
