Eddie Hearn Reduces Dana White’s Achievements in Boxing: “Give Credit to Turki Alalshikh”

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn criticizes UFC CEO Dana White for taking too much of the spotlight for the Terence Crawford vs Canelo Alvarez fight.

Eddie Hearn Reduces Dana White’s Achievements in Boxing: “Give Credit to Turki Alalshikh”

Eddie Hearn diminishes Dana white and picks Turki Alalshikh (via MMA Fighting, Boxing News)

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In combat sports, the action doesn’t always stop when the bell rings. Beyond the blood, sweat, and drama inside the ring, there are constant battles for recognition and control that shape how fans remember the sport’s biggest nights. That very question of credit came to the forefront after the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford showdown, with Dana White and Eddie Hearn standing on opposite sides.

White has been vocal regarding the changes he plans to make to the sport of boxing to restore its former glory. The UFC CEO believed that events needed to be faster-paced and more entertaining, with simpler formats. White had also assumed managerial responsibilities for the Crawford vs Alvarez superfight and aimed to make the event a trailblazer for the new model of boxing.

Hearn was quick to push back, making it clear that White had no hand in the making of Canelo vs. Crawford. According to Hearn, the fight would never have been possible without Turki Alalshikh‘s financial support and vision. He spoke about his distaste for White’s claims to be part of two of the three most significant fights in boxing with Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show.

Without Turki Alalshikh, Canelo x Crawford never would have happened. In fact, it wouldn’t have even been a fight that Dana White would have considered or thought of making. Let’s give the credit of Canelo x Crawford to Turki Alalshikh, the man that truly paid up for the fight, the man that truly had the vision for two generational greats to me in a ring. I didn’t believe that fight could get made.

Eddie Hearn via The Ariel Helwani Show

The British promoter’s backlash appears to stem from White’s comments regarding his involvement in the Canelo vs. Crawford and Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor super fights. The UFC CEO termed these two fights as his greatest accomplishment, having been part of two of the three most significant fights in boxing history. While speaking to Helwani, Hearn reminded White that the Mayweather-McGregor bout was an exhibition of sorts.

The super fight, however, was a massive success with the total number of buys tallying up to a whopping $41 million. The main event also crowned Crawford as the first male undisputed three-weight division champion of the four-belt era. While the event was a success, White’s plans to change the format of events did not unfold properly due to the slow pacing of the card.

Ultimately, Canelo vs. Crawford stands as a testament to teamwork and vision in the sport of boxing. White and Alalshikh each contributed in crucial ways, demonstrating that mega-events are rarely the work of a single individual. For fans, the fight was unforgettable not only for the action in the ring, but also for the collaborative effort behind the scenes that made it possible.

Eddie Hearn talks about the new boxing league led by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh

Boxing has entered a new era where collaboration between promoters and investors is reshaping the landscape. Eddie Hearn recently spoke about the launch of the Zuffa boxing league led by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, emphasizing the competitive yet innovative spirit behind the venture. The league is a collaborative effort between Alalshikh, TKO Group (parent company of the UFC and WWE) and Sela.

Eddie Hearn talks about Zuffa Boxing
Eddie Hearn talks about Zuffa Boxing (via Sky Sports, Yahoo)

Hearn acknowledged that the Zuffa league is an exciting development for boxing, but he emphasized that the sport itself does not need fixing. He saw the league as a positive opportunity if it allowed multiple promoters to participate, creating a collaborative environment. At the same time, Hearn remained confident in his own position within boxing and signaled that, regardless of how the league unfolds.

I’m the best boxing promoter in the world, so I’m chilled. I think it’s a long-standing partnership with everybody, but if it’s not, I’ll be the last man standing. You can put us all on Alcatraz [Island] and see who comes out. Trust me, I’ll be there, and the others will be swimming.

Eddie Hearn via DAZN Boxing

Ultimately, the launch of the league marks an exciting era for boxing, blending innovation and international investment while respecting the sport’s ecosystem. With Dana White’s leadership and Alalshikh’s vision, the league has the potential to elevate the sport. This offers fans bigger, more engaging matchups while leaving space for established promoters like Eddie Hearn to continue shaping the future of boxing.

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