Hodder snaps up autobiography from ‘legendary’ sports promoter Hearn 

Hodder & Stoughton has snapped up My Life, the autobiography of “legendary” sports promoter Barry Hearn.  

Senior commissioning editor Huw Armstrong acquired world rights directly from the author. The book has been written alongside journalist Nick Pitt and will be published on 28th April 2022.  

Hearn has helped shape modern sports and been responsible for some of the most important sporting moments “this country has ever seen”. As chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation, Hearn oversaw the most successful growth period in the sport’s history, with prize money heading toward £20m per year. Founding Matchroom Sports was also integral in putting boxing, darts, fishing and poker on the map. In 2021 he was awarded an OBE for his services to sport.  

In My Life, Hearn gives his reader never-before-seen stories. We are given a glimpse into his power struggles with media moguls and boxing promoters and insight into this role in the careers of Steve Davis, Chris Eubank, Phil “The Power” Taylor and Ronnie O’Sullivan. 

Armstrong said: “There’s a point in this book, a few pages in, when you realise just how much Barry has achieved. It’s insane. Barry changed the game, ripped up the rulebook and provided an outlet for sports like darts, snooker and boxing that simply didn’t exist before. He’s had a hell of a life and this book is a real joy from start to finish. The only thing to say is this: read it.”  

Hearn added: “It has been an absolute pleasure to chronicle my life and in particular my career in various sports. I hope this book will educate and entertain readers by following my journey as my company Matchroom evolves from just me and a PA under a billiard hall in Essex, into one of the biggest and most successful sports promotion companies in the world. Enjoy the journey."