Eddie Hearn vs Dana White Continues as British Boxing Promoter Issues ‘Daddy’ Insult

Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn continues feud with Dana White after recent accusations about having no answer for Zuffa Boxing's rise.

Eddie Hearn vs Dana White Continues as British Boxing Promoter Issues ‘Daddy’ Insult

Eddie Hearn fires back at Dana White (via Boxing Scene. Bleacher Report)

In Short
  • Eddie Hearn criticized Dana White's new boxing promotion, calling it cringy and unnecessary.
  • White retaliated by mocking Hearn's reliance on his father's resources and influence.
  • The ongoing feud highlights tensions between traditional boxing promoters and UFC's expansion into boxing.

Dana White transformed the UFC from a promotion banned in many states into a mainstream powerhouse. After buying the company with Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank Fertitta, he became President and guided the UFC’s expansion globally under his leadership. Its rise into a billion-dollar promotion has now become insult ammunition for Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn in his feud with White.

White and Hearn have been at odds for months after the UFC boss announced plans to expand into boxing. Most recently, White revealed he is releasing a new belt for his promotion, Zuffa Boxing. Hearn responded with an explosive critique, calling the belt cringy and unnecessary for the sport. The exchange highlights ongoing tension between traditional promoters and the UFC CEO’s efforts to establish his own promotion.

However, White did not take the British promoter’s comments lightly and called out Hearn for giving zero pushback to his boxing plans. He noted that Hearn, despite working for his father and having significant resources, could not compete with him. This prompted Hearn to recently respond with a heated rant, criticizing White’s remarks and asserting that he, too, works with backers and influential figures.

Yes, I do work for my dad, but guess what? Dana White has worked for his daddy for a long time, The Fertitta brothers, that’s who he worked for. And right now Dana White’s got a new daddy and his name is Turki Alalshikh. What’s their vision? Putting Charles Martin on a headline show on a Sunday night in front of 126 people in your garage?

Eddie Hearn via Charlie Parsons

Hearn’s criticism stems in part from White’s relationship with Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh, who is also the co-founder of Zuffa Boxing. Alalshikh has played a major role in organizing some of boxing’s biggest matchups, including the Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford superfight. His involvement brings significant financial and promotional power to White’s ventures.

Hearn also referenced White’s Zuffa Boxing 3, which was broadcast on Paramount+. The main event saw heavyweight Efe Ajagba score a fourth‑round TKO over former IBF champion Charles Martin, while Umar Dzambekov knocked out Ahmed Elbiali. Despite multiple bouts, the event lacked the reach of major shows, which Hearn cited as proof that White’s promotion has yet to match established events.

Eddie Hearn has headed the boxing division of Matchroom Boxing for years, serving as chairman and overseeing all aspects of the sport. He has not taken White’s venture into boxing lightly, repeatedly calling him out for his decisions. Hearn’s criticism underscores his intent to defend Matchroom’s position. The ongoing feud highlights the clash between established new entrants like Dana White.

Eddie Hearn weighs in on John Fury’s recent rant on Carl Froch

British heavyweight star Tyson Fury is set to return against Arslanbek Makhmudov, marking his latest retirement U-turn. However, during a recent media day in London for the fight, his father, John Fury, went on a heated rant aimed at former champion Carl Froch after he criticized Tyson’s career. The confrontation drew significant attention and sparked discussions about a potential clash between the two.

Eddie Hearn talks about John Fury and Carl Froch
Eddie Hearn talks about John Fury and Carl Froch (via Boxing Scene, X)

Froch fought under Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing during the latter stage of his career and is almost 12 years younger than John Fury. Hearn was recently asked about the possibility of a bout between the 60-year-old Fury and Froch, given the public tension between the two. While unusual, the matchup has drawn attention for its age difference and the dramatic context surrounding Tyson Fury’s comeback.

I like it. That’s great. I’d like to see it go off if I’m honest with you, do you know what I mean? John Fury is a big lump, but I’d actually back Carl Froch against virtually anyone on the cobbles.

Eddie Hearn said

Froch and Eddie Hearn have had a complicated relationship over the years, marked by both collaboration and tension. While Froch thrived under Hearn’s promotion late in his career, he has occasionally clashed with Matchroom over media comments and business decisions. Hearn has expressed support for Froch in principle but has also highlighted the challenges of arranging unconventional matchups.

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