In a bold declaration, Eddie Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom Boxing, has asserted that Zuffa Boxing, spearheaded by Dana White and supported by Sela from Saudi Arabia, will not dominate the boxing world despite their recent strides into the UK market. This statement comes in the wake of Zuffa’s announcement of a multi-year partnership with Sky Sports, a platform Hearn was formerly associated with.
Hearn, who recently extended Matchroom’s collaboration with the streaming platform DAZN, has been vocal in his criticism of Zuffa’s initial four shows, all of which were held in Las Vegas. The tension between Hearn and White, the UFC president, has been escalating, with White recently labeling Hearn as the ‘biggest p**** in boxing’ after successfully luring Conor Benn away from Hearn’s stable to Zuffa.
Zuffa is set to embark on their UK journey in May, but Hearn remains unconvinced that this move will secure their victory in boxing’s ongoing internal conflict, despite securing a deal with the country’s leading broadcaster. “It’s a promising start for them in the UK,” the 46-year-old Hearn told IFLTV. “But they’re facing significant challenges at the moment.”
Hearn continued, “They’re in deep trouble. They’re probably assessing the situation and thinking, ‘we’re struggling with boxing, not making any profit, the product is mediocre, we’re being ridiculed, and we’re constantly clashing with boxing promoters. Plus, every UFC fighter is unhappy with their pay.'”
White has dismissed Hearn as a competitor, but Hearn retaliated by announcing the signing of UFC heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, to his talent agency. Their feud has even led to White challenging Hearn to a fight. White has committed to staging a minimum of five shows in the UK this year.
“I always tell people if you’ve never seen a fight live in the UK, you have to go and experience it, it’s incredible,” the 56-year-old White told Sky Sports. Benn’s signing with Zuffa Boxing has added fuel to the fire.
“I credit the UK for keeping boxing alive in the last 10, 15 years, whatever it is, and Sky too,” White added. “We’re doing a minimum of five [UK shows], but I believe we’re going to do a lot more than that. This thing’s been rolling faster than I’d anticipated.”
As the rivalry between Hearn and White intensifies, the boxing world watches with bated breath to see how this clash of titans will unfold. One thing is certain: the landscape of boxing is changing, and the UK is at the heart of this transformation.
Team_TBE Boxing
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