Eddie Hearn Delivers Fiery Retort to Dana White's Boxing Comments
Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn has launched a robust counterattack against UFC president Dana White, following provocative remarks from the Zuffa Boxing boss. The exchange highlights the escalating rivalry between established boxing promotions and the UFC's new venture into the sport.
White's 'Beating Up Babies' Remark Sparks Controversy
During a recent promotional event for his boxing initiative, Dana White, 56, made inflammatory comments about competing with existing boxing promotions. The UFC president likened the challenge to "beating up babies" and specifically targeted Hearn by suggesting he merely works for his father, Barry Hearn, who serves as president of Matchroom.
White's comments came as he talked up Zuffa Boxing, the new venture he leads alongside Saudi official Turki Alalshikh. The promotion is 60% owned by Saudi firm Sela and 40% by TKO, the UFC's ownership group.
Hearn's Pointed Response to Personal Criticism
Eddie Hearn, 46, responded directly to White's criticism during an event announcing Matchroom's new deal with streaming platform DAZN. Speaking to publications including The Independent, Hearn expressed surprise at the nature of White's attack.
"I was just quite surprised by the nature of what he said," Hearn stated. "Which was ultimately: 'Eddie Hearn works for his dad.' That's kind of what I've had my whole career, when they get really flustered and they're a bit f***ed, to be honest with you."
Hearn continued with a pointed comparison: "I wasn't expecting him to be so f***ed and flustered so early. When he says I work for my dad, I suppose so, but his dad for many years has been the Fertitta brothers, and now he's got a new daddy called Turki Alalshikh. Dana White works for Turki Alalshikh. He's an employee of the company really."
Questioning Zuffa Boxing's Vision and Operations
The Matchroom chairman didn't stop at personal retorts, turning his criticism toward Zuffa Boxing's operational approach. Hearn challenged White's claim that established promotions lacked vision, pointing to Matchroom's track record of innovation and growth in the boxing industry.
"When you say about we lacked 'vision', looking at everything we've done, I think that's one of the things you can never accuse us of," Hearn asserted.
He then targeted Zuffa Boxing's early events: "At the moment, Dana White's vision is staging mediocre fights in his garage in front of about 112 people, with fighters like Callum Walsh, and [analyst] Max Kellerman telling you: 'This guy, I think, is the next Roy Jones [Jr].' Or headlining with Charles Martin on a Sunday night, saying: 'This is like [Muhammad] Ali vs [Larry] Holmes, this match-up.'"
Concerns About Boxing's Integrity and Fan Manipulation
Hearn expressed skepticism about Zuffa Boxing's approach to the sport, particularly their introduction of new championship belts. The promotion has announced a Zuffa cruiserweight title that will be contested when Jai Opetaia fights Brandon Glanton in March, with more belts expected to follow.
"They're trying to manipulate the boxing fans, who won't fall for it because they're not idiots, but maybe the wider world will," Hearn cautioned. "I don't know, but right now, they're miles off the pace. But they'll get there, and they'll be a threat. They'll spend money – it's not their money."
The Matchroom chairman questioned the authenticity of Zuffa's approach: "They'll sign fighters and they'll get fighters, but I just don't buy this new belt stuff and this 'vision'. It's not really a vision, it's just control. Here's your tracksuit, wear that. This is who you're fighting, and you're fighting for our belt."
Broader Implications for Boxing's Competitive Landscape
This public exchange between two of combat sports' most prominent figures signals increasing tension as the UFC expands into boxing through its Zuffa venture. Hearn's comments highlight concerns about Saudi financial influence in the sport through Alalshikh's involvement, while White's aggressive entry strategy has clearly rattled established promoters.
The Fertitta brothers, Lorenzo and Frank, who owned the UFC from 2001 until 2016, represent White's previous ownership structure, while Alalshikh now oversees Saudi Arabia's substantial boxing investments. This transition forms a key part of Hearn's critique about White's own employment situation.
As Zuffa Boxing prepares for its upcoming events in the Meta Apex facility in Las Vegas, the war of words between Hearn and White suggests this rivalry will continue to intensify, potentially reshaping boxing's promotional landscape in the coming years.
