'I apologise to my country' – Terence Crawford embarrassed Eddie Hearn at darts after public call out

01/08/2024 16:24

Eddie Hearn had to make a grovelling apology after he was left humiliated by Terence Crawford at the oche.

As the chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation, Hearn might be expected to know a thing or two when it comes to chucking arrows.

And, at the very least, should be able to beat your average American at a sport some might deem the most British of all.

But Crawford is not your average American, having become a world champion in three different weight divisions, as well as holding the title of undisputed champion at welterweight and lightweight.

To add another string to his bow, he can add top darts player now as well after beating Hearn, something he had to begrudgingly admit was true.

Speaking to The Stomping Ground on YouTube, boxing promoter Hearn said: “I don’t know when the footage is coming out but I have to apologise to my country, to the PDC and to the world of darts for losing to some geezer from Omaha.

“He’s actually quite good, as well. I was unlucky but then he got to the double first and I was thinking, ‘how long is it going to take to hit a double?’

“Second dart, straight in. Fair play.

“The sad matter of the fact is that the only thing that I am better at him at is talking, and that is it.

“I was even clinging to darts that I might be able to beat him at. The one that was probably the least physical that he wouldn’t definitely beat me at, and he still beat me.”

Hearn took over the chairmanship of the PDC from his father, Barry, in 2021, who also runs Matchroom Sport.

Crawford, meanwhile, is one of the best boxers in the world and currently boasts an incredible record of 40 wins and zero defeats.

His latest victory was the high-profile win over Errol Spence Jr, a year ago at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas yet Hearn believes he could elevate his status higher if he was his promoter.

Ahead of Crawford’s fight against Matchroom’s Israil Madrimov, Hearn said: “One of the problems in boxing in America is that the public doesn't get an opportunity to see what the individual is like.

“I feel if people got to see Terence Crawford and what he stood for – the way he lives his life, the way he works, the way he respects the game and the way he raises his kids, in their athletics and wrestling, that should be championed.

"I don't really understand why, in your country, you don't champion him more.

“Obviously, people aren't promoting him the right way. People aren't pushing him.

“If I promoted Terence Crawford, I'd want all of America to know this guy. And I think you'd love him.”

Crawford will face Madrimov at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday night, though the main event expected to get started at 3am on Sunday morning in the UK with further information on how to watch here.