“Dana White Can’t Lace My Boots” – Eddie Hearn’s Bold Challenge after UFC CEO’s Promise to Change Boxing

Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn once again compares himself with Dana White's latest ventures into boxing.

“Dana White Can’t Lace My Boots” – Eddie Hearn’s Bold Challenge after UFC CEO’s Promise to Change Boxing

Eddie Hearn calls out Dana White (via Sports Pro, Matchroom Boxing)

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The world of combat sports often sees overlap between boxing and mixed martial arts, especially when prominent figures from both industries cross into each other’s territory. Recent developments have once again placed the spotlight on the ongoing relationship and rivalry between the two sports. Eddie Hearn recently took a shot at Dana White‘s newest venture into the world of boxing.

White, known primarily for revolutionizing the UFC and shaping the modern landscape of MMA, has increasingly shown interest in boxing ventures through Zuffa Boxing. Although the endeavor has not yet reached the scale of the UFC’s success, White’s presence in boxing continues to generate discussion. His involvement in events such as Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford highlights the ongoing efforts.

Eddie Hearn has been at odds with White even before his boxing ventures. White aimed to rebuild boxing from the ground up, with his influence extending toward new titles and rankings via the Saudi-backed league. However, Hearn recently revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that White could not match him in boxing the same way he could not match the UFC CEO in MMA.

In my opinion, I am gonna spank him in boxing; he can’t lace my boots in boxing, but maybe I’m deluded, and maybe I’m so arrogant and egotistical that I am gonna get it wrong. That’s what I truly believe.

Eddie Hearn via The Ariel Helwani Show

Hearn criticized the boxing and MMA communities for pitting him and White against each other. The Matchroom boxing chairman revealed that while he has immense respect for White, he is welcome to take on any challenge thrown his way. Hearn also believed that White was not able to show the same passion for the Alvarez vs Crawford card the way he does in UFC events.

In MMA, Dana is so passionate about the UFC, about the fights, and when he stands up and goes ‘What’s Up everybody!’ that’s from his heart. He just knows, he gets it. When he is talking about the undercard of the Crawford against Canelo, and he is reading off a bit of paper, it’s just not the same.

Eddie Hearn via The Ariel Helwani Show

Hearn has positioned himself as both cautious and defiant. He has welcomed the increased attention and competition that White’s entrance brings to boxing while simultaneously warning that success in boxing requires endurance, constant vigilance, and a willingness to meet the demands unique to its promotional and regulatory environment. He also believed that White was taking credit away from Turki Alalshikh.

However, the UFC boss has boasted about his previous accomplishments in the sport of boxing when questioned about who the better promoter was between the two. While he planned to reinvent boxing by introducing simpler weight classes and smoother broadcasting, it would take him time to settle into the sport.

The growing intersection between Dana White’s ventures and Eddie Hearn’s established presence underscores a defining moment for modern combat sports. As both figures continue to expand their influence, one from MMA and the other from traditional boxing, the sport stands on the edge of significant transformation.

Eddie Hearn diminishes Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing belts

Zuffa Boxing, the newly established boxing promotion founded by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, made a significant debut with the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight on September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The event achieved remarkable success, with a live gate of $47.2 million and an attendance of 70,482 spectators, and over 41 million global viewers via Netflix.

Eddie Hearn questions Dana White's Zuffa Boxing
Eddie Hearn questions Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing (via Instagram, Ring Magazine)

Despite the event’s commercial success, Eddie Hearn has expressed skepticism regarding the significance of the Zuffa Boxing belt. Hearn views the introduction of a new championship title by Zuffa Boxing as lacking historical legacy and credibility within the sport. He believed that top-tier athletes already hold multiple belts, and the addition of the new one would not be of paramount importance.

The reality is, no fighter with any ambition wants to fight for a Zuffa boxing belt. I’m sorry. I’m doubling down. I’m all about the belts. I don’t want a new belt, I don’t wanna change the ring, I don’t want a funky canvas cover. I’m going boxing.

Eddie Hearn via The Ariel Helwani Show

The launch of Zuffa Boxing and its inaugural event have undeniably impacted the landscape of professional boxing, demonstrating the potential for high-profile matches to draw significant viewership and revenue. However, the debate over the legitimacy of new championship titles, as highlighted by Eddie Hearn’s criticism, underscores the challenges Zuffa Boxing faces in gaining acceptance.

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