PDC President Barry Hearn was "deeply honoured" after being receiving the Freedom of the City of London at Guildhall on Monday.
The leading sports promoter was handed the honour alongside former professional boxer Michael Watson at Guildhall, in recognition of their respective outstanding achievements in UK sport and their charitable work.
Joined by family members, friends, and colleagues, the pair attended a joint ceremony at Guildhall on Monday September 22.
Barry Hearn was nominated for the Freedom by Lord Mayor of London Alastair King and City Corporation Member, James Tumbridge, and Michael Watson was nominated by City Corporation Member, Marianne Fredericks, and her colleague, the City Corporation’s Chief Commoner, Henry Pollard.
"I'm absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London," said Hearn.
"London is a place that holds so much history, tradition, and personal meaning for me, so I am incredibly proud and it's a privilege that I'll cherish forever."
After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Barry Hearn moved into finance and became chairman of Lucania Snooker Clubs to promote amateur tournaments.
Barry sold Lucania in 1982 and founded Matchroom Sport to manage snooker talent and produce televised events.
By the late 1980s, he expanded into boxing and in the 1990s, Barry was bringing niche sports to wider audiences. In 2001, he became chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation.
In 2020, Barry was awarded an OBE for services to sport and the following year, he stepped down after nearly 40 years to become Group President, focusing on event strategy and global development.
Barry continues to support the Matchroom Charitable Foundation, which has provided millions of pounds to a wide range of good causes, including sports and community charities, and hospices for children and adults.
Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King, said: "Over the course of a stellar career, Barry Hearn has proved that he's got the Midas touch when it comes to sport promotion and I am very happy to support his Freedom nomination which, I feel sure, has genuinely touched him.
"As an amateur boxer myself, I stand in awe of Michael Watson's phenomenal achievements, both, in and out of the boxing ring, but also of his strength of character and determination to live his best life.
"Today's ceremony at Guildhall brings Barry and Michael together for a very memorable occasion in the heart of the City."
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said: "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.
"I am very happy to offer my warmest congratulations to Barry and Michael on this special day, and thank them for their unique and valuable contributions to UK sport."
One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.
As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievements.
Recent high profile recipients include multi-award-winning choreographer and director, Sir Matthew Bourne; six-time Olympic gold-winning athlete, Sir Chris Hoy and his wife, Lady Sarra Hoy; Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage; and comedian, actor, and writer, Sir Lenny Henry.