Boxing
Eddie Hearn promises 'special atmosphere' for Olympian debut compared with Ricky Hatton
Watch Brown vs Grandone live tonight on DAZN
Eddie Hearn says Pat Brown can be the "next big star of British boxing", drawing comparisons with Ricky Hatton, Josh Warrington and Johnny Fisher for his homegrown appeal.
The former Paris 2024 Olympian turns professional against Federico Javier Grandone in a cruiserweight contest this Friday, with the star's first post-amateur bout live on DAZN.
Brown has already been talked up as a potential future contender for world titles at the top end, with many also noting his strong regional appeal around the Manchester area.
Now Matchroom boss Hearn has compared his status as a local hero to several other fighters who have energised their communities, and expects him to deliver on this chance.
"You will see and witness a special atmosphere," he told The Stomping Ground. "I'm talking Johnny Fisher levels, I'm talking Josh Warrington levels.
"This [has had] an unprecedented amount of tickets sold for an amateur turning professional on his debut. You build to these numbers, you don't do them on the debut.
"I'm talking Ricky Hatton levels, from the early days. This is the same kind of vibe, the same kind of feeling and this guy can really fight. I'm excited. I think it's a decent opponent.
"I want someone to come to fight. I believe this kid will, and I believe Pat Brown is a serious fighter. I think he's the next big star of British boxing.
"Every time one of our prospects get in the ring, I want to see a statement, I want to see quality. Pat's got the platform."
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