Eddie Hearn's Fiery Retort to Dana White as Boxing Promoter Feud Intensifies
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has delivered a blistering response to UFC president Dana White, escalating their ongoing public feud. The conflict stems from White's recent comments criticising Hearn for working under his father's guidance at Matchroom Boxing.
The Origins of the Conflict
The rivalry between these two combat sports powerhouses intensified earlier this year when White launched Zuffa Boxing, placing him in direct competition with Hearn's Matchroom Boxing organisation. Since that move, tensions have been steadily building between the promoters.
White escalated matters last weekend with pointed remarks about Hearn's professional background. "I don't want to sit here and smash Eddie Hearn or anything, but Eddie Hearn works for his dad, you know what I mean?" White stated. "He works for dad. I don't think he's come in and had any type of vision, whereas we do, and we're going to change the entire sport."
Hearn's Detailed Rebuttal
Hearn responded forcefully while announcing a significant new five-year partnership with streaming service DAZN. "I was just quite surprised by the nature of what he said, which was ultimately that Eddie Hearn works for his dad," Hearn explained. "I mean, 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."
The British promoter expressed particular surprise at the timing of White's comments. "I wasn't expecting him to be so f***ed and flustered so early," Hearn remarked. Addressing White's specific criticism about working for his father, Hearn turned the tables on his rival. "When he says I work for my dad, yeah, I suppose so, but you know, 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. I mean, he's an employee of the company."
Questioning White's Vision and Operations
Hearn strongly contested White's assertion that Matchroom Boxing lacks vision. "I was shocked I was quite surprised," Hearn said. "When you say about we lack vision, I think that's one of the things you can never accuse us of."
The boxing promoter then launched into a detailed critique of White's current boxing operations. "And at the moment, Dana White's vision is he stages mediocre fights in his garage in front of about 112 people with fights like Callum Walsh with Max Kellerman telling you 'this guy is the next Roy Jones,' or headlining with Charles Martin on a Sunday night saying 'this is like Ali-Frazier, this matchup.'"
Hearn accused White's organisation of attempting to manipulate boxing fans. "It's like they're kind of like trying to manipulate the boxing fans who won't fall for it because they're not idiots," he stated. "But maybe the wider world will. Right now, they're miles off the pace, but they'll they'll get there and they'll be a threat and they'll spend money. It's not their money."
Future Implications for Boxing
Despite acknowledging that Zuffa Boxing will eventually become competitive, Hearn expressed skepticism about their approach. "So they'll sign fighters and they'll get fighters, but I just don't I don't buy this whole new belt stuff and this vision," he said. "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."
The announcement of Hearn's new five-year DAZN deal during this exchange highlights the significant business implications of this promoter rivalry. As both organisations continue to expand their combat sports footprints, this public feud signals intensified competition for talent, broadcasting rights, and fan attention in the boxing world.
