HOW I BUILT MY BODY
In a new online column for MH, the UK’s pre-eminent boxing promoter is documenting his comeback fitness journey. Here’s how Eddie Hearn lost 17kg – and won back his health
Eddie Hearn announced his new status as a Men’s Health columnist in a way that was entirely true to character: by superimposing his face on to the body of a young Arnold Schwarzenegger and posting the image on Instagram. Hearn might not quite be as ripped as our cover star was in his prime, but he’s certainly closer than he was. Over the past 18 months, the Matchroom Sport chairman and voice of British boxing has developed a deep passion for fitness – and the results are conspicuous.
As the 44-year-old explains to MH, it was during the summer of 2021 that he reached a point when, in his own words, ‘I was just feeling shit... In my suits, at press conferences, in the mornings, I was feeling sluggish,’ says Hearn. It’s no coincidence that 18 months ago was also the time when Matchroom announced a huge deal with the streaming service DAZN. Behind the scenes, Hearn’s workload had tripled, and his wellbeing was on the ropes. ‘I just thought to myself, if you keep living this lifestyle you might die,’ he says. ‘As extreme as that sounds, I’ve got a history of heart problems in the family. I’ve got a job that’s full of stress. I’m not really sleeping, my diet’s shit, I’m not training that much. I’m overweight. Those are all the classic signs of a short lifespan.’
EDDIE HEARN Eddie’s column, Don’t Call It A Midlife Crisis, drops every other Friday. Follow us @menshealthuk to ensure you never miss it. Subscribers to the MH newsletter get early access.
6ft 5in HEIGHT
108kg WEIGHT
At his heaviest, Hearn was pushing 20st. He’s now down to 17st 2lb, thanks to a complete lifestyle overhaul, which included adopting a sustainable diet plan, ramping up his efforts in the gym and reducing his alcohol intake.
For Hearn, like many men, nights of heavy drinking often derailed any healthy intentions, with hangovers dealin
