Matchroom Sport Signs Top British Amateur Ian Weaver

ByBoxing Press

Iain Weaver has signed promotional terms with Matchroom Sport.

The decorated Team GB star will make his debut on the undercard of Darren Barker’s comeback fight on September 8 at the Alexandra Palace in north London.

Weaver, 22, will begin life in the paid ranks at super featherweight and after speaking Eddie Hearn he said it was the promise of regular action that was the decisive factor in signing with Britain’s number one boxing team.

“I am really excited about starting out in the professional game,” said Weaver. “I will always have great memories of representing Team GB but this is a new chapter in my life and I cannot wait to get going on September 8.

“To make my debut on the undercard of a big show topped by Darren Barker – a guy who has fought one of the top three fighters in the world – is just a dream come true. I sat down with a number of promoters but only Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport can deliver regular big nights and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

Weaver joins old Team GB friends Scotty Cardle, Kal Yafai and Martin Ward in Hearn’s burgeoning stable of future champions, and the Dorset man says that a healthy rivalry will soon blossom.

“We all know each other inside out so I think there is going to be a lot of fun ahead,” said Weaver. “We’ve travelled all over the world together and grown close, the GB squad is like a tight family and it’s great to be stepping into the pros knowing Scotty, Kal and Martin are there with me. We’ll all want to outdo each other of course but at the same time we’ll be there to help each other out, which can only be good for all of us.”

Weaver’s signing was welcomed by the king of Hearn’s crop as three-time World super middleweight champion Carl Froch backed him to be a hit in the paid ranks.

“Iain is a cracking fighter that belongs in the pro game,” said Froch. “He is a really talented young guy and a real tough nut. His style is much more suited to the professional scene and a bit like me, he loves a tear up! I’m looking forward to watching him develop and like the rest of the boys in the stable; I’ll be there to help him out along the way.”

Weaver’s new promoter Eddie Hearn said he cannot wait to unleash Weaver on September 8.

“I’m delighted to secure the signing of Iain, he’s an exceptional young talent and we look forward to giving him the best opportunity to reach the top,” said Hearn. “We’re building quite a team here at Matchroom Sport and cannot wait to see them all do their thing and express themselves in the new season.”