Eddie Hearn Explains Teofimo Lopez’s Unusual DAZN Deal

Hearn says DAZN can finance Teofimo Lopez’s fights and appoint a promoter for each event after the former champion declined a traditional promotional agreement.

Teofimo Lopez’s decision to sign directly with DAZN has created an uncommon business model for one of boxing’s biggest stars. Eddie Hearn says the agreement allows the network to fund Lopez’s fights while assigning a promoter to run individual events.

“I think it’s good. He’s got a fight with Rolly Romero. Normally in that situation, not having a promoter, he would align himself with the promoter of the show, which is PBC. He didn’t want to do that. DAZN stepped in and said, ‘We’ll take the options on you then.’ I believe DAZN also can nominate a promoter for him, which is obviously important because he doesn’t have a promotional company or team to run the show,” said hearn to Ring Magazine.

A lot of fighters have this great idea of having a promotional company, but never really actually want to put the money up for a show or, when the numbers don’t quite work, they don’t want to be involved in any losses. They want the logo everywhere on the poster. In this instance, it was smart business from DAZN. They can give Teofimo the money and the opportunity to fight Rolly, then make sure he’s locked up on the network. They also have that provision to assign a promoter to the actual show, which is important to maintain the quality.”

Hearn described the agreement as unusual for a leading fighter. He said DAZN can finance Teofimo’s bouts without requiring a traditional promotional deal. The platform also has the ability to appoint an experienced promoter for individual events. Hearn believes that approach keeps the events professionally managed while giving Lopez greater independence.