Eddie Hearn has declared himself ready to ignite “the most exciting time ever in Australian boxing” — and it starts with the undefeated puncher he says will become heavyweight champion of the world.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia from Monaco, Hearn revealed his bold new push into Australian boxing starts with an April 29 Melbourne showcase involving both WBC champ Skye Nicolson and breakout heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana.
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The card, which also includes an entertaining co-main between Australian super lightweights Jake Wyllie and Ibrahim Balla, doubles as the first event of a new deal that sees Hearn bringing seven Matchroom shows Down Under this year.
In the Melbourne Pavilion main event, Nicolson continues her bold push to become undisputed champion of the world, defending the WBC interim super bantamweight crown against Mariah Turner.
Teremoana, meanwhile, is already slated to throw down in Orlando, Florida next weekend – against American heavyweight Curtis ‘The Hurt’ Harper — and is yet to have an opponent confirmed for the upcoming Matchroom showcase.
As a result, Hearn also used the Friday morning press event to call out Australia’s heavyweight stocks, wondering aloud if there is anyone Down Under willing to square off against his 28-year-old prospect.
Speaking soon after, the undefeated slugger also specifically called out three potential domestic rivals – Australian heavyweight champion Stevan Ivic, plus Liam Talivaa and Ben Sila.
Said Hearn: “If there are any Australian heavyweights watching this interview right now, step up and fight our man Teremoana Teremoana.
“It’s so difficult to get Australian heavyweights to face this man.
“He’s an absolute monster.
“Nine fights, nine wins, nine knockouts … he’s so good that they had to name him twice.
“And I believe that you’re looking at the future heavyweight champion.”
Hearn added that if he couldn’t find an Australian willing to step up against the man now based out of Brisbane, he would likely fly in another American rival who was willing to throw down.
And as for how far the Queenslander can go?
“All the way,” the UK promoter stressed. “I look at this guy and see a superstar in waiting.
“Huge man, punches hard, he’s got the personality, the smile and he’s got the aura … when I look at the star power he has, you’re going to see him headlining on Fox Sports soon.”
Elsewhere, Nicolson’s rival also surprisingly failed to show for what was supposed to be something of an on air face off between the two headliners, prompting a simple dig from the Aussie champ.
“I just jokingly said she’s s*** herself already,” Nicolson grinned. “And I got told it was recorded, so I’ll own up to what I said.
“But it’s a great fight.
“She’s top 10 in the world in the featherweight division. So to come down to super bantamweight and have this fight, it’s a huge challenge for me.”
For Nicolson, who is currently training in Spain, a win on the April card will then push her into an undisputed clash against the winner of the upcoming Ellie Scotney versus Mayelli Flores fight.
Having fought all around the world, the former Olympian is thrilled to be heading back to Australia for what will be her first headline show.
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“This is a huge moment for me,” the champ said. “And I’m thrilled to be coming home to defend my WBC title and mandatory position for the soon-to-be-crowned undisputed champion.
“It’s an honour to headline such a strong card full of Australian talent – and my first headline event being back home is extra special.
“Mariah is a quality fighter and I’m expecting a tough challenge.
“But every time I step into the ring I level up and I plan on making a real statement in Melbourne and setting up the mega fights in the division for 2026.
“I hope this is the first of many headlining shows.
“I’m one fight away from my shot at becoming undisputed champion of the world … nothing is going to get in my way.”
Teremoana, meanwhile, faces Harper in Orlando next Saturday, and has issued a challenge to any heavyweight rival who wants to step inside the ropes to face him on his return Down Under.
Speaking from Florida soon after Hearn, he also called out three names specifically — Ivic, Talivaa and Sila.
“They’re the three names,” he said. “But as you know I’ll fight anyone. Whoever wants it.
“Let’s crack on.
“But my sole focus right now is March 21. I don’t want to overlook Curtis Harper.
“And preparations are going.
“I’ve been getting used to the weather over here.
“It’s a bit like Queensland. They call it the Sunshine State here too so it’s great to be in another part of the world that’s like home.”
Soon after, he added: “I’m really looking forward to what promises to be a busy 2026.
“This new broadcast deal Matchroom Boxing has in Australia should be a great opportunity for me to fight in front of my supporters at home and I’m excited to continue on my journey to the world heavyweight title.”
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The impending Melbourne event also begins a new agreement which will see seven Matchroom Boxing events broadcast live on Kayo Sports and Foxtel in 2026.
Speaking about the deal, Hearn said: “We pride ourselves at Matchroom Boxing on being the only true global, promotional company in the world. And we cannot wait to get this new, seven shows-a-year partnership with Fox Sports started.
“We have a great chance to really get our teeth into what I believe is the most exciting time ever for Australian boxing and can’t wait to stage many major events here in what promises to be a big year.”
Soon after, Hearn continued: “It’s a major deal for us, a major deal for Australian boxing, and we look forward to expanding that fan base in Australia and trying to spread the sport to the masses.
“That’s the job for us.
“We plan to make boxing bigger than ever here and we can’t wait for the partnership with Fox Sports to get going.”
Elsewhere, Wyllie also declared himself ready to bounce back from a split decision draw against Paul Fleming last December and reignite his charge up the super lightweight rankings.
“My full focus is on getting the job done against Ibrahim Balla,” Wyllie said. “I want the big fights and this is a massive stepping stone towards that.
“I’ll go down to his backyard and upset the apple cart. I’ll be coming in red hot for this one and I am really looking forward to it.”
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