Eddie Hearn Set to Face Former World Champion But Not In Boxing Ring

Eddie Hearn is set to enter the grand arena on June 9th and entertain the crowd. Instead of pulling strings from behind, the English promoter will dazzle the crowd with his skills. But he is not going to throw punches, rather showcase his mastery and control over the soccer ball, as he looks set to represent England at Soccer Aid 2024. However, he is not alone, as another boxing great joins him.

TalkSports’ Michael Benson turned to his X handle and revealed that Hearn would play in the upcoming edition of Soccer Aid. He would be joined by fellow compatriot and former cruiserweight champion, Tony Bellew. He wrote, “Eddie Hearn and Tony Bellew will be playing in this year’s Soccer Aid on June 9th. Hearn playing for England, Bellew a goalkeeper for World XI.”

Amusingly, the event doesn’t follow any nationality rules, and therefore, Bellow is a part of World XI. But Hearn and Bellew are not the only boxing stars in the squad for the charity match. Tommy Fury also finds a mention in the World XI squad, as he makes his return after turning in a splendid display last year. Bellew and Fury will play alongside Usain Bolt, and two football greats, Petr Cech and Patrice Evra.

The new signee for the World XI includes former Chelsea and Real Madrid star, Eden Hazard. Meanwhile, Hearn will join the likes of Jill Scott, Mo Farah, and Stuart Broad in taking the field for England. They have an uphill task ahead of them, as World XI have now won five charity matches on a trot. Moreover, the England team will have Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp, and Robbie Williams at its disposal as managers, whereas Mauricio Pochettino will return as manager for World XI.

Notably, Soccer Aid, dubbed as the world’s biggest, is an annual charity soccer match, created in 2006 by Robbie Williams, where roasters of celebrities and former soccer stars meet. It’s an initiative by UNICEF to help children worldwide have a better life. This year’s Soccer Aid will return to London and take place at Stamford Bridge, home to Chelsea soccer club. So, for Hearn, 44, and Bellew, 41, it’s an amusing opportunity, and they are excited to lace up their shoes and kick the ball.

Eddie Hearn and Tony Bellew are elated at the prospect of playing at Soccer Aid 2024

Hearn had previously teased his commitment to Soccer Aid by labeling it as the “biggest deal” of his career. He declared on the Matchroom Boxing’s channel, “I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be representing England at Soccer Aid for UNICEF at Stanford Bridge on Sunday, June the 9th. Go on, the three lions.”

For Bellew, it might not be an alien experience as his son plays as a goalkeeper at Everton. He told GMB, “I just wanted to prove to him [his son] that I can do a tenth of what he can do. So I’m gonna be in goal. I’ll be okay, I can use my feet and I’m pretty good with my hands to say the least. So, I’m sure I’ll be okay.”

Last year’s Soccer Aid collected close to $18.7 million and attracted an audience of 63,000 fans. Will this year’s event surpass the numbers of last year? What do you make of this announcement concerning Eddie Hearn? Who do you think will emerge victorious between him and Tony Bellew? Let us know in the comments below.