Sports promoter Barry Hearn will be awarded the Freedom of the City of London this October during a high-profile charity gala at the iconic Guildhall, held in support of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. The evening will centre around a white-collar boxing showcase and pay tribute to two boxing legends — Ricky Hatton MBE and Michael Watson MBE — for their outstanding contributions to both sport and society.
Hearn, who played a pivotal role in elevating professional darts to a global entertainment platform, expressed his gratitude for the honour:
“I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London — a place that holds so much history, tradition, and personal meaning for me. It’s a privilege I’ll cherish.”
Looking ahead to the event, Hearn added:
“I’m also incredibly excited about the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Fight Night this October — a fantastic evening of sport and fundraising in the heart of London, bringing people together for a great cause.”
Taking place on 8 October, the gala will unite Hearn, Hatton, Watson, and the Lord Mayor, Alastair King DL, for a night celebrating sport, philanthropy, and civic unity. Sponsored by Bloomberg, the event will feature a unique boxing contest between members of the London Fire Brigade and the New York City Fire Department, with competitors handpicked by the renowned Fitzroy Lodge Boxing Club.
Related News
Proceeds from the event will support initiatives aimed at enhancing the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of firefighters across the UK — a vital but often under-recognised profession that faces unique daily pressures.
Darts Takes Centre Stage in Oceania
While Hearn prepares for a night of recognition and charity, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) continues its global tour. Next week, the World Series of Darts heads to Oceania for two major events: the Australian Darts Masters and the New Zealand Darts Masters — key fixtures on the 2025 World Series calendar.
