New PDC Chairman Eddie Hearn gives exciting vision for the future of darts: "We want to continue our global growth"

The news broke this past week that Barry Hearn would step down from the role of chairman of Matchroom Sport including his PDC duties after helping to grow the sport into a global powerhouse.

Read also

Barry Hearn steps down as PDC Chairman with immediate effect

His son, Eddie Hearn who is known as being one of the top promoters in the boxing world where he has made his name will take over including in the PDC.

He caught up with Dan Dawson for his first interview in the role and is excited to fulfil a vision for darts and carry on the work previously done by his father and the rest of the team.

"Firstly, I'm delighted to take up the position of PDC Chairman, it is a great honour to take over the reigns from my dad," said Hearn.

"My aim will be to keep the wonderful sport of darts moving in an upward direction, building on the work of my dad and his team over the last 20 years.

"The PDC is a business built on fun and entertainment for the fans and providing opportunities to the players - we must never lose that.

"There is so much more to do with this game internationally, and I still feel like we haven't hit the ceiling in the UK.

"Matthew Porter [PDC Chief Executive Officer] and his team have pushed the bar over many years and continue to do so.

"They are the experts in this field, and I hope to add my commercial manpower, ideas and relationships to bring something a little bit different to the organisation."

He also discussed a bit of what he can bring to the role from his tenure in boxing and that he hopes to continue the growth of the game not only in the UK.

"In boxing we've made a huge push over the last few years in the digital space to build up the characters of our athletes," Hearn added.

"Our goal is to educate our audience by telling the stories of the stars of darts, showcasing their personalities and backgrounds to a wider sporting fanbase.

"Darts is so unique because a lot of the players are 'working class heroes' and that's what the fans love and relate to.

"This sport is doing things the right way and we want to continue our global growth. We've already seen the way it has exploded in Germany and we want to do the same in other territories.

"I think we're really well placed moving forward. We've got the team in place with Matthew Porter and his staff and if I can contribute ideas along the way to help move forward at a greater pace, then great news."