Prominent boxing promoter Eddie Hearn believes UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is about to make far more money outside the Octagon than many fighters realize.
Hearn recently signed Aspinall to his newly launched Matchroom Talent Agency, a move that surprised many MMA fans. The partnership came shortly after Matchroom Boxing expanded its reach into athlete representation.
According to Eddie Hearn, the early results of that partnership are already paying off.
“We are closing in on a number of deals for Tom Aspinall,” Hearn said in an interview.“Commercial deals where I would say UFC fighters have got to understand the job that we’ll be doing. Tom Aspinall, having been with Matchroom Talent Agency for what will be 10 days to two weeks, he will make more money in commercial deals than he did for one of his recent fights.”
“Within 10 days of working with Matchroom, one of his recent fights in the last four fights. So they’re leaving a lot of money on the table.”
Eddie Hearn made it clear that he sees enormous commercial potential in Aspinall. The veteran promoter believes many UFC fighters fail to maximize opportunities outside the cage, something he plans to change for the heavyweight champion.
“Forget how well or how not well they’re paid because that’s a big debate at the moment,” Hearn said.
“That stuff has to be dealt with, but there’s stuff that you can control. Take the bull by the horns. Make yourself a bigger star. Look at other opportunities outside of the octagon. Bring revenue to the table. Raise the profile. Drive commercial deals.”
“It’s not difficult for us to do because we’re the best in the game at all that kind of stuff and Tom is a big star. You’re going to see a couple of announcements over the next couple of days commercially that we’re going to be working with Tom.”
Hearn also admitted that he quickly noticed a shift in Aspinall’s mindset after they began working together.
“Love Tom Aspinall,” Hearn said.
“Because he has never been spoiled and he’s never really experienced what he should experience, which is the best treatment in the world and the feeling of ‘you are a superstar.’ I think he felt like that last week.”
“That translates into the gym. That translates into performances and that translates into the way that you carry yourself.”
While Eddie Hearn continues to secure sponsorships and endorsement deals, Aspinall is currently focused on recovery. The UFC heavyweight champion recently underwent double eye surgery after suffering accidental eye pokes during his fight with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.
In the meantime, the UFC has scheduled an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Gane at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. The winner is expected to face Aspinall for the undisputed title once he returns.
