I don't believe there has ever been a better era for British boxing and this weekend, over 48 crazy hours, Britain has the opportunity to add two more world champions to its stunning roster.
It's been almost two years since I promoted a show in Scotland and boy have I missed the energy and passion.
Every show needs a main event draw and since Ricky Burns lost his world title to the outstanding Terrence Crawford, Scotland hasn't found the man to fill the void.
As it turned out, their hero has returned with a remarkable opportunity to make history this Saturday at the Hydro Arena when he bids to become to the first ever Scottish three-weight world champion and only the second Brit after Duke McKenzie to achieve the feat.
Ricky moves up to super-lightweight against the experienced Michele Di Rocco, who is unbeaten in nine years.
It's a big ask for one of boxing’s great servants but I believe in his skill, tenacity and heart and 8,000 countrymen will roar him to victory.
A day later is a story you really couldn't write - it's the real life Rocky story. When Tony Bellew told me he was to play one of the main characters on the latest Rocky film Creed I thought it was one of his typical wind-ups.
A few months later and the images started coming in of him on set with Stallone in Philadelphia with the final scene set at Goodison Park - home of Bellew's mad love Everton - with Tony fighting Ilunga Makabu for the world title.
The film was the catalyst for this dream - could we really recreate the fantasy with reality and give Tony a shot at the world title at his beloved football club? I tried to open every door to a world title but they all slammed shut in my face.
Tony and I are very close but I can't deny I really felt the pressure to deliver this for him. When a fighter puts his trust in you to deliver for him the way Tony has there was no way I was letting him down and when the opportunity came up to fight for one of the most prestigious belts in boxing there was no holding us back.
The route to Goodison wasn't easy but with Tony's drive and the desire of Chairmen Bill Kenwright and the support of mayor Joe Anderson we made it happen.
I’d love it to be an easier fight - Makabu is one of the most dangerous fighters in the division but Tony as the underdog had a chance to deliver a moment that will live in the minds of his people forever.
I'm proud of Ricky and Tony as I am of all our champions and fighters - this weekend will be an emotionally draining experience but let's be honest, it's what we live for.
You may have seen the reports that terms have been agreed for IBF world champ Kell Brook to face WBO holder Jessie Vargas in a huge unification match up this summer.
Well, it's true. It's never done until the ink is dry but I'm hopeful you will get an official announcement towards the end of this week.
It's a huge fight for Brook and I couldn't be happier that he is finally going to get the chance to cement his legacy at the number one fighter in the division.
This is just the beginning, Kell is going to go though Vargas and all the belt holders but it all begins at Bramall Lane where we plan to stage this mega fight.
Although there have been plenty of digs at Saturday's 'Haye Day 2' show on Dave, I don't think there is a point in sticking any more boots in.
Although the show and production was a shocker you can't deny David's ability to pull in a crowd. He just needs some legit tests to be taken seriously again in the division.
There is no doubt he can still fight but neither Saturday, nor the Shannon Briggs fight, is going to tell us how much.
Finally, there have been a number of new signings to the Matchroom team lately. A week back we announced that another outstanding GB star Felix Cash has joined and will debut on the huge June 25 card at the O2.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that the exciting Chris Eubank Jnr had signed a new promotional contract with us and will also defend his British middleweight title at the O2 on June 25 against the undefeated Tom Doran. Both fighters are coming off fight-of-the-year contenders and this one will be a barnburner.
Finally, I was pleased to add Dillian Whyte to the stable on Friday. Dillian was involved in one of the best heavyweight fights of recent time against Anthony Joshua last year and is one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters in the division.
He will return from injury at the O2 and will look to pick up the British title in the summer before looking for a World title opportunity and a potential rematch with AJ in 2017.
Article courtesy of the Daily Mail (Eddie Hearn)
It's been almost two years since I promoted a show in Scotland and boy have I missed the energy and passion.
Every show needs a main event draw and since Ricky Burns lost his world title to the outstanding Terrence Crawford, Scotland hasn't found the man to fill the void.
As it turned out, their hero has returned with a remarkable opportunity to make history this Saturday at the Hydro Arena when he bids to become to the first ever Scottish three-weight world champion and only the second Brit after Duke McKenzie to achieve the feat.
Ricky moves up to super-lightweight against the experienced Michele Di Rocco, who is unbeaten in nine years.
It's a big ask for one of boxing’s great servants but I believe in his skill, tenacity and heart and 8,000 countrymen will roar him to victory.
A day later is a story you really couldn't write - it's the real life Rocky story. When Tony Bellew told me he was to play one of the main characters on the latest Rocky film Creed I thought it was one of his typical wind-ups.
A few months later and the images started coming in of him on set with Stallone in Philadelphia with the final scene set at Goodison Park - home of Bellew's mad love Everton - with Tony fighting Ilunga Makabu for the world title.
The film was the catalyst for this dream - could we really recreate the fantasy with reality and give Tony a shot at the world title at his beloved football club? I tried to open every door to a world title but they all slammed shut in my face.
Tony and I are very close but I can't deny I really felt the pressure to deliver this for him. When a fighter puts his trust in you to deliver for him the way Tony has there was no way I was letting him down and when the opportunity came up to fight for one of the most prestigious belts in boxing there was no holding us back.
The route to Goodison wasn't easy but with Tony's drive and the desire of Chairmen Bill Kenwright and the support of mayor Joe Anderson we made it happen.
I’d love it to be an easier fight - Makabu is one of the most dangerous fighters in the division but Tony as the underdog had a chance to deliver a moment that will live in the minds of his people forever.
I'm proud of Ricky and Tony as I am of all our champions and fighters - this weekend will be an emotionally draining experience but let's be honest, it's what we live for.
You may have seen the reports that terms have been agreed for IBF world champ Kell Brook to face WBO holder Jessie Vargas in a huge unification match up this summer.
Well, it's true. It's never done until the ink is dry but I'm hopeful you will get an official announcement towards the end of this week.
It's a huge fight for Brook and I couldn't be happier that he is finally going to get the chance to cement his legacy at the number one fighter in the division.
This is just the beginning, Kell is going to go though Vargas and all the belt holders but it all begins at Bramall Lane where we plan to stage this mega fight.
Although there have been plenty of digs at Saturday's 'Haye Day 2' show on Dave, I don't think there is a point in sticking any more boots in.
Although the show and production was a shocker you can't deny David's ability to pull in a crowd. He just needs some legit tests to be taken seriously again in the division.
There is no doubt he can still fight but neither Saturday, nor the Shannon Briggs fight, is going to tell us how much.
Finally, there have been a number of new signings to the Matchroom team lately. A week back we announced that another outstanding GB star Felix Cash has joined and will debut on the huge June 25 card at the O2.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that the exciting Chris Eubank Jnr had signed a new promotional contract with us and will also defend his British middleweight title at the O2 on June 25 against the undefeated Tom Doran. Both fighters are coming off fight-of-the-year contenders and this one will be a barnburner.
Finally, I was pleased to add Dillian Whyte to the stable on Friday. Dillian was involved in one of the best heavyweight fights of recent time against Anthony Joshua last year and is one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters in the division.
He will return from injury at the O2 and will look to pick up the British title in the summer before looking for a World title opportunity and a potential rematch with AJ in 2017.
Article courtesy of the Daily Mail (Eddie Hearn)
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