TLDR
- Eddie Hearn said Dana White and Zuffa won’t dominate boxing despite their confidence
- Hearn questioned how impressive Zuffa Boxing’s January 23 debut can be with only four weeks to prepare
- The Matchroom promoter warned that launching with a poor show would be the worst outcome
- Hearn said he welcomes the competition even though he doubts their ability to succeed
- Top Rank Boxing recently lost its ESPN broadcast deal as the industry shifts to streaming
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly questioned whether UFC CEO Dana White and Zuffa can succeed in their plan to break into professional boxing.
Hearn made his comments on “The Ariel Helwani Show” after promoting Anthony Joshua’s knockout victory over Jake Paul. He said White and TKO are not going to dominate boxing despite their confidence.
“They are very bullish, like me,” Hearn said. “They’re arrogant and they think they’re going to come in and dominate boxing.”
January 23 Launch Date Raises Questions
Hearn expressed concern about Zuffa Boxing’s first show scheduled for January 23, which is less than a month away. He warned that the company needs to make a strong first impression.
“You’ve got to come out of the blocks with a bang, you can’t come out with something lame,” Hearn said. “What are you going to do, do a show in the Apex to launch TKO Boxing?”
The boxing promoter said the debut event needs to be “a monster” but questioned how impressive it could be with only four weeks of preparation remaining. He cautioned that launching with a poor show would be the worst possible outcome.
“If they get it wrong and it stinks the place out in January? The worst thing they could do is come out with something poor,” Hearn said.
Hearn and White have been friendly in the past. However, their relationship has become more competitive as White attempts to expand into boxing promotion.
Hearn Welcomes Competition Despite Doubts
Despite his skepticism, Hearn said he welcomes having TKO and White as competitors in the boxing business. He said many people in boxing want them to fail, but he does not share that view.
“These guys that we’re up against, I want to be up against them,” Hearn said. “So many people in boxing want them to fail and I don’t think they will fail.”
Hearn is one of boxing’s top promoters through his company Matchroom Boxing. White has built the UFC into the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization as its CEO.
The boxing industry has undergone major changes recently. Top Rank Boxing recently lost its broadcast deal with ESPN, which many consider the end of an era in the sport.
ESPN continues to work with Top Rank through other platforms. Some observers believe a new broadcast deal could eventually be reached between the two companies.
All major boxing promotions have shifted to streaming deals in recent years. This has changed how fans watch fights and how promoters distribute their content.
Zuffa Boxing’s first show is scheduled for January 23, less than four weeks away.
