“Real Fight is the Business” – Eddie Hearn Relishing Challenge from Dana White Inside and Outside Boxing Ring

Despite Dana White downplaying a fight against Eddie Hearn inside a boxing ring, the latter aims to beat the UFC CEO everywhere.

“Real Fight is the Business” – Eddie Hearn Relishing Challenge from Dana White Inside and Outside Boxing Ring

Eddie Hearn talks about Dana White (via Variety, Boxing Scene)

In Short
  • Eddie Hearn and Dana White's rivalry intensified after White's plans to enter boxing with Zuffa Boxing.
  • Hearn expressed frustration over White signing Conor Benn, leading to potential legal action regarding the deal's structure.
  • Despite the tension, Hearn enjoys the competitive dynamic between their promotional companies.

Eddie Hearn has been a major name in boxing since taking over Matchroom Boxing from his father, Barry Hearn. Since then, he has built a reputation as a promoter willing to take on any challenge in the sport. His leadership has grown Matchroom into a major force in boxing. That approach is reflected in his rivalry with Dana White. The British promoter recently also said he has been enjoying the competitive dynamic.

All of this rivalry began when White outlined his plans to enter boxing through Zuffa Boxing. He expressed an intention to modernize and potentially revolutionize the sport’s structure and operations. White also emphasized a desire to move away from the traditional limitations of boxing promoters. Hearn did not respond positively to those ideas, and this marked the start of their promoter rivalry.

The tension between the two promoters has escalated significantly in recent times beyond business discussions. White even challenged Hearn to a boxing match to settle their differences, adding a personal edge to the rivalry. In response, Hearn has sent warnings to the UFC CEO while defending his position in boxing. Despite the intensity, the Matchroom chairman recently said he is enjoying the rivalry with White.

He’s always been unbelievably courteous to me. When he got into boxing he goes like, ‘All the promoters are useless, they all lack vision.’ Then he carried on. When they signed Conor Benn I started venting my frustration. But it’s a business, it’s a fight I mean both in or out of the ring, it’s that fight between Matchroom and Zuffa and I love it. Everybody is now talking about Eddie and Dana fighting but the real fight is the business. What a position for me to be as a UK promoter over here.

Eddie Hearn FightHubTV

Interestingly, the tension between Hearn and White was not always present in their relationship. Earlier on, both promoters maintained a level of professional respect for each other despite working in different combat sports. The British promoter even attended a UFC London event in 2022, showing support for the UFC’s UK expansion. In the same year, he also hailed White as the greatest promoter in the sport.

Another major turn in their rivalry came when White signed Eddie Hearn’s British welterweight star Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing. The deal was initially a single-fight agreement reportedly worth $15 million. This was later expanded into a multi-fight deal, strengthening the UFC CEO’s presence in boxing. In response, Hearn signed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to his Matchroom Talent Agency.

Dana White has turned down offers to fight Eddie Hearn on multiple occasions, citing age and professional credibility as key concerns. This has kept their rivalry firmly in the promotional space rather than any confrontation. Despite the escalating exchanges and continued cross-industry moves, Hearn’s comments reveal that the Matchroom Chairman is enjoying the rivalry rather than being affected by it.

Eddie Hearn vows to take legal action against Dana White’s deal for Conor Benn

Eddie Hearn’s long-running involvement with Conor Benn began when the British welterweight signed with Matchroom Boxing under a promotional agreement that initially placed him firmly within Hearn’s stable of rising stars. Benn’s early career under Matchroom included key televised bouts and steady promotional backing as Hearn positioned him as one of the key names in the UK welterweight scene.

Eddie Hearn
Eddie Hearn (via DAZN)

After Benn signed with Zuffa Boxing, Hearn reacted strongly to the move, expressing frustration over the deal’s structure. He raised concerns about MMA-led boxing ventures offering large payouts, suggesting UFC fighters may eventually push back if boxers receive reported deals like $15 million for a single fight. Hearn has also questioned the credibility of Benn’s expanded multi-fight agreement with Zuffa Boxing.

Imagine doing a one fight deal and no one from the organization even attending the fight. And then two days later, you’ve already done a new deal. It’s almost like… it was never a one fight deal. There has been legal conversations ongoing. We will absolutely seek clarity. All we need to make sure of, is that we wasn’t lied to.

Eddie Hearn via Fight Hub TV

The details of Conor Benn’s new agreement with Zuffa Boxing have added another layer of intrigue to his career direction, especially as the partnership continues to expand beyond the initial structure. Dana White has also hinted at the possibility of the British welterweight facing Ryan Garcia under the Zuffa Boxing banner, which would mark a high-profile crossover bout in the boxing landscape.

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