Dana White Launches Scathing Attack on Eddie Hearn in Boxing Feud
UFC president Dana White has ignited a fiery feud with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, mocking his rival's efforts in the sport as "like beating up babies." The outburst came during a post-fight press conference following the third event of White's new boxing venture, Zuffa Boxing, held on Sunday night.
White's Brash Entry into Boxing
White, 56, has recently kickstarted Zuffa Boxing, a promotion that has seen its third event take place in the Meta Apex facility, a venue frequently used by the UFC. The main event featured Efe Ajagba stopping Charles Martin in a heavyweight bout. While Zuffa Boxing has yet to make a major impact on the boxing world, White has not hesitated to voice his opinions in his typically outspoken manner.
"There hasn't been any pushback, this is like beating up babies," White declared. "I feel like I came in and I'm beating up babies. I expected more, I expected some pushback, I expected them to be more game. They're all way out of their league – like absolutely, positively out of their league."
Targeting Hearn's Vision and Legacy
White specifically targeted Eddie Hearn, 46, the chairman of Matchroom Boxing, with whom he previously maintained a cordial relationship. He questioned Hearn's contributions to the sport, comparing him to a politician who has merely followed existing rules without innovation.
"I don't think anybody looks at Eddie Hearn and says: 'Oh, this guy's a visionary.' The guy's been in boxing forever, I look at him like most politicians," White stated. "You've done nothing in this sport except stay in the lane and play by all the rules and ride right along with what's been... You ended up becoming part of the problem, is what's happened."
White also pointed out that Hearn works for his father, Barry Hearn, who serves as Matchroom president, implying a lack of independent achievement. "Eddie Hearn works for his dad, you know what I mean? He works for dad. I don't think he's come in and had any type of vision, whereas we do, and we're gonna change the entire sport," he added.
Hearn's Response and Boxing Landscape
Despite White's criticisms, Eddie Hearn has overseen Matchroom's boxing operations for years, promoting high-profile fighters such as Anthony Joshua, Katie Taylor, and Shakur Stevenson. He has also previously worked with Canelo Alvarez. In contrast, Zuffa Boxing's standout signing so far is cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who left Matchroom to join White's promotion and is set to face Brandon Glanton for the inaugural Zuffa world title in March.
White acknowledged the tension but remained defiant about his approach. "I understand the people who are the status quo in boxing don't like it, but it doesn't mean they can't still do their thing," he said. "If your thing is as good as you think it is, and you are as good as you think you are, then do your thing. Good luck to you. I'm gonna do my thing, and they're gonna do theirs."
He also noted that the Hearn family has financial resources but suggested they lack competitive vision. "Eddie Hearn and his dad have a lot of money, it's not like they can't compete. They can't compete because they don't know how to compete; there's no vision there," White concluded, emphasizing his confidence in Zuffa Boxing's future. "Listen, I'm sitting here, my third fight in. I'm either right or I'm wrong."
