‘Cringy’ Dana White Called Out by Eddie Hearn For Recent Boxing Development

Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn calls out Dana White for introducing a new championship belt for Zuffa Boxing.

‘Cringy’ Dana White Called Out by Eddie Hearn For Recent Boxing Development

Eddie Hearn calls out Dana White's new Zuffa belt (via X, Boxing Scene)

In Short
  • Dana White's Zuffa Boxing has introduced its first championship belt, drawing criticism from Eddie Hearn.
  • Hearn labeled the creation of the belt as unnecessary within boxing's existing championship framework.
  • White aims to modernize boxing by simplifying weight classes and establishing a clearer championship system.

Dana White’s expansion into professional boxing continues to build through Zuffa Boxing under TKO Group Holdings. Ahead of Zuffa Boxing 04, White introduced the promotion’s inaugural championship belt as part of its independent title structure. Eddie Hearn, CEO of Matchroom Boxing, criticized the move and described the creation of the belt as unnecessary within boxing’s existing championship system.

White has detailed a vision to modernize professional boxing by moving away from fragmented title structures toward a clearer championship system under Zuffa Boxing. He has pushed for shorter gaps between fights during events to maintain pacing and improve overall presentation. His plan also includes simplifying weight classes and creating meaningful opportunities for lesser-known fighters.

White has cast himself as a reform figure in boxing, seeking to restore the sport’s stature through centralized promotion and structural change. He confirmed the first Zuffa Boxing title fight at Zuffa Boxing 04, with undefeated cruiserweight Jai Opetaia facing Brandon Glanton at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This drew criticism from Hearn, who viewed it as unnecessary within boxing’s established system.

That is the cringiest s**t I’ve ever seen. You know I would never do that, but I was just laughing because I was reading about, whenever it is, Jai Opetaia fighting Brandon Glanton for the Zuffa championship of the world. Do you think I would disrespect boxing that much where I would say, we are going to bring out the ‘Matchroom Boxing World championship?’ My ego’s out of control, that would have to be. That’s beyond anything I could ever fathom or ever bring myself to do.

Eddie Hearn via IFLTV

Hearn has remained critical of the UFC CEO and his expansion into boxing through Zuffa Boxing. He questioned White’s public positioning around the superfight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, arguing that credit for assembling the event should not be centralized under one figure. Hearn instead pointed to Turki Alalshikh as playing a leading financial and strategic role in major boxing events.

Dana White has outlined plans to move away from boxing’s traditional governing bodies through the Zuffa Boxing model. He intends to establish an independent championship and ranking system with fewer belts, streamlined divisions, and clearer contender pathways. The strategy mirrors the centralized structure used in MMA and directly challenges the sport’s long-standing sanctioning framework.

Eddie Hearn has previously argued that Dana White would struggle to match his standing in professional boxing. He has also raised concerns about fighter pay under the Zuffa Boxing structure compared with established promotional models. His recent criticism of the new Zuffa championship belt further underscores his skepticism about the UFC boss’s long-term impact on the sport.

What are the divisions recognized by Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing?

A central part of Dana White’s boxing blueprint is the streamlining of weight classes under Zuffa Boxing. His model reduces the number of recognized divisions to simplify championship pathways and create clearer title lineages across the promotion. This contrasts with the traditional multi-division system upheld by major sanctioning bodies such as the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBC.

Dana White with Callum Walsh at Zuffa Boxing 01
Dana White with Callum Walsh at Zuffa Boxing 01 (via The Independent)

Zuffa Boxing will recognize eight divisions: heavyweight, cruiserweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight, and bantamweight. The structure eliminates the numerous junior and superweight classes common in traditional boxing, creating a simpler framework. Each division will crown a single champion under the promotion’s title system, allowing for clearer championship lineages.

Zuffa Boxing held its first event with Zuffa Boxing 01, marking the launch of the promotion’s competitive schedule. While the debut provided a foundation for its championship structure, the event did not fully meet Dana White’s expectations. White has stated that future events will improve as the promotion refines fighter scheduling, card structure, and audience engagement.

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