The Matchroom promoter says Zuffa Boxing is entering a business built on constant pressure, conflict, and public criticism
Eddie Hearn says he is not convinced Dana White and Zuffa Boxing are prepared for the long-term pressure that comes with promoting fights in boxing. Hearn argued that White is stepping into a far more chaotic business environment than the system he controlled during his years running the UFC.
“I just don’t think they’ll be up for the fire,” Hearn said to iFL TV about Dana White and his Zuffa company.
“You’ve got years and years and years of graft and putting out fires and getting bombarded by pellets and grenades to overcome.
“I just don’t think they’ll be up for the fire. You’ve got to be a bit of a sick [__] to do this. That’s what I do.”
Hearn also mocked White’s recent comments about boxing promotion and claimed the UFC president is struggling with criticism now that he is operating inside the boxing industry.
“He’s had a stinker,” Hearn said.
“He’s not used to it. Don’t forget what we do for a living, which is go back and forward with people, do interviews. But he’s had the narrative.
“He’s not had anyone like that. That’s why he can’t do it, and instead he just comes out with bizarre lines.”
Hearn later joked that White’s repeated comments about him have actually helped increase his profile in the United States.
“I have to thank Dana White,” Hearn said.
“Every press conference he does, he talks about me.
“I reckon there’s people out there going, ‘Who is this Eddie Hearn guy?’ Little Google, bosh, Eddie Hearn.”
The Matchroom promoter also pushed back against White’s recent claim that no promoter has staged more boxing events this year than Zuffa Boxing.
“The whole media audience went, ‘All right,’ and went on to the next question,” Hearn said.
“Imagine I said that. I’d get grilled on it immediately.”
Hearn’s latest comments come as Zuffa Boxing continues trying to establish itself inside the sport following months of public shots between White and several longtime boxing promoters.
