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Tom Aspinall believes the sky's the limit with Eddie Hearn by his side
Tom Aspinall is relishing the opportunity to become one of the biggest sports stars in the world — and improve his bank balance at the same time.
As the UFC heavyweight champion, the Brit is already highly regarded at home and abroad.
But having been unveiled as Matchroom Talent Agency’s first signing, the 32-year-old Salford lad cannot wait to see what Eddie Hearn has planned to build his profile.
Speaking at the launch of Hearn’s new venture at Battersea Power Station, Aspinall said: “This is me wanting to get what I think I'm worth.
“And if I can work with people I like and they're gonna help me, I will absolutely take it. So no, this isn't me getting back at anyone or anything like that.
“It's great timing, but I would have done it anyway if the opportunity was there.”
Verbal sparring will not affect Aspinall
Hearn, 46, has been locked in a war of words with UFC supremo Dana White, which recently reached a boiling point when Conor Benn left Matchroom Boxing for a lucrative one-fight deal with White’s Zuffa Boxing.
But Aspinall, who is contracted to the UFC as a fighter, insists it is business as usual despite who his new manager is.
Explaining how things work with White, the popular champion said, “As far as I'm aware, or at least from my experience, UFC fighters don't really have a personal relationship with Dana.
“I don't think it's really his job to reach out, but I've not spoken to him [since signing with Hearn].”
After undergoing multiple surgeries on his eyes, Aspinall is fully focused on returning to the Octagon as soon as possible.
But with his future currently in his doctor’s hands, he is just glad to be back in the gym.
Aspinall added: “They're getting better. I have had multiple surgeries.
“I've been through a lot of injuries in my career, same as every other athlete, but the eyes are a little bit different.
“For example, I blew my knee out completely. I had to do a couple of surgeries on that, rehab it, and you can just crack on with a knee. You can work around it and stuff.
“Eyes are a little bit tricky and take a little bit longer, but they are definitely getting better.
“Although I'm moving in the right direction, I do have to follow the doctor's orders right now, and I'm still taking the time off.”
While it remains unclear when MMA fans will see Aspinall back in the Octagon, the sky appears to be the limit now that he has joined forces with Hearn.
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