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BARRY HEARN says the “only thing that can ruin my life is dying” as he talks about last year’s prostate cancer operation in a new TV show.
Britain’s legendary sports promoter had the surgery during the filming of Netflix’s new documentary – Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen – which is launched today on the streaming platform.
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Eddie, 46, learned about his dad’s procedure while having a fancy lunch in London.
Recovery from the op meant he was forbidden from any “physical activity” for six weeks and he was forced to miss attending Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight title fight with Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Workaholic Hearn – who built his business from the ground in 1982 and now “it’s worth north of £1billion” – has had THREE heart attacks in the past.
The 77-year-old had his first one in 2002 and the second occurred in April 2020 – he went under the knife during the start of the Covid pandemic to insert two stents.
And according to Eddie, the last one happened during Leyton Orient’s play-off clash with Stockport at Wembley in May.
The stress of the job – his company manages boxing, darts, snooker, fishing and nineball pool – has had its impact.
Speaking while digesting the contest of a seafood platter, Barry told his son: “We’ve got a little prostate problem, which means we have to go down various vital parts of my body and remove a little bit of it.
“Because I’m getting up five or six times a night. It would be stupid to ignore a symptom.”
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Eddie said: “The thing is, with my dad, you never really know how bad it is, because he wouldn’t tell you.
“But I think it’s serious. I’m worried about it. I remember when my granddad passed away and I was watching him in the hospice.
“It makes you realise that life is a tremendous humbler. You’re never unbeatable. Our family is everything to us and I don’t have any other heroes other than my dad.”
Barry said: “My dad died at 44. I had my first heart attack in my late 40s and you’re now in that age group, Eddie.”
Eddie said: “But do you think you would have had your first heart attack as early as you did without boxing?”
Barry said: “No, there’s no doubt it’s a terrible, terrible business to be involved in, but it’s also very exciting, so you’ve got to weigh one off against the other.”
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Eddie said: “The stress, the family history, the cholesterol… It’s not looking good, bro.”
Barry said: “Listen, keep checking everything. What we don’t want is a bolt of thunder and lightning coming out of the sky and going, it’s your day-to-day. Bosh!
“That’s what happened to my dad. And stress is probably the biggest killer and that’s your hardest opponent to overcome because you are in a very, very stressful environment.”
Barry Hearn – who stood down as chairman of the business in April 2021 – is philosophical about death and when it will happen.
In the series he even reveals he wants his ashes scattered in his private lake – which has 64 carp named after colleagues, including famous darts and snooker players.
Even though he should perhaps slow down and move away from making decisions, it is unlikely he will do so.
Barry said: “The only thing that can ruin my life is dying. And the good Lord will decide, no-one else, when it’s time to leave.
“Now in Eddie I’ve found someone to replace me, certainly to add to my empire.
“The apple don’t fall far from the tree. And as much as I like to be in control, I’m sure my son wants to be in control as well.
“They know Eddie Hearn more than Barry Hearn now. Part of me says that’s what I want. The other part is desperately clinging on to that cliff for one more moment of glory.”
The Netflix Series, which consists of six episodes, is devised in a Succession-style narrative in which Eddie is primed to take over the running of the business.
Eddie said: “I’ve had it my whole life. You come from money, didn’t really work that hard, had everything on a plate. I hate it.
“I’m not just Barry Hearn’s son. I would like people to appreciate and realise how good I am.”
