Barry Hearn and Michael Watson Guildhall Freedom: sporting figures honoured at City ceremony
Barry Hearn and Michael Watson were awarded the Freedom of the City of London at a joint ceremony at Guildhall on 22nd September, where the celebrated sports promoter and former boxer were acknowledged for their achievements in British sport and their charitable work.
Family, friends and colleagues looked on as the pair signed the ancient register and took part in the short civic ritual that dates back to the 13th century.
Hearn’s nomination was supported by the Lord Mayor of London Alastair King and City Corporation Member James Tumbridge, while Michael Watson’s nomination came from City Corporation Member Marianne Fredericks and Chief Commoner Henry Pollard.
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The Lord Mayor called the event
“a very memorable occasion in the heart of the City,”
praising Hearn’s “stellar career in sports promotion” and saying he stood “in awe of Michael Watson’s phenomenal achievements” both in and out of the ring.
Policy Chairman Chris Hayward added: “It is a particular joy to welcome these two sporting legends to Guildhall on the same day, and for them to be admitted into the Freedom.”
Speaking after the ceremony, Hearn said he was “absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured,” describing London as a place “that holds so much history, tradition, and personal meaning.” Watson said he was “truly humbled” and pledged to “continue to support those who need strength and guidance,” quipping that he hopes any newly granted right to drive sheep across London Bridge comes “without the congestion charge.”
Why these two?
After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Hearn moved into sports promotion in the early 1980s, managing snooker talent and creating televised events through Matchroom Sport before expanding into boxing and other sports. He chaired the Professional Darts Corporation from 2001, received an OBE in 2020, and now serves as Group President focusing on global event strategy. The Matchroom Charitable Foundation has donated millions to community causes and hospices.
Watson held the Commonwealth middleweight title from 1989 to 1991 and made an extraordinary recovery following a near-fatal brain injury sustained in his 1991 fight with Chris Eubank. He later walked the London Marathon over six days to raise funds for the Brain & Spine Foundation and recently completed a two-mile charity walk for its i-Neuro initiative. He also supports The Dream Factory and serves as an Ambassador for WBC Cares.
About the Freedom
The Freedom began in 1237 as a civic status connected with trade. Today it is offered to people who have made an outstanding contribution to London or public life. Recent recipients include choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne, six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. The ceremony places two more familiar names alongside that roll.
Learn more about the honour and its traditions via the City’s official overview here.
For more features on London’s people, places and civic traditions, follow EyeOnLondon City for insightful coverage that keeps you in the know.
[Image Credit | The Architects’ Journal]
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