LONDON – Eddie Hearn has fired back at Dana White after the UFC boss’ recent comments.
Hearn recently appeared on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” talking up a battle between he and White to crown the best promoter in the world. White, after a successful career promoting in mixed martial arts with the UFC, has recently made a move into boxing. His boxing promotional outfit, Zuffa Boxing, recently signed a long-term broadcast deal with Paramount+ and will focus its shows on the American market. Hearn has certainly been focusing on the US in recent years, with marquee signings Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez leading the way for his Matchroom Boxing.
Hearn clearly views White as his biggest competition and has taken it upon himself to challenge White in his venture into the boxing world. White recently fired back at Hearn, showing that he was clearly bothered by his comments, which prompted a response from Hearn.
“I don't want it to go like this for him, but I saw that interview,” Hearn told members of the media. “I was like, ‘It's over. It's over before it's even started.’ I mean, how loud do you want to talk? Right? We know we've seen this before, where the blood pressure starts going through the roof. You could just chill. It's only little old me that doesn't think big enough. So just chill. We don't have to scream and shout. You don't have to lose your temper. The blood pressure doesn't have to go out of control. You do your thing. I'll do my thing.
“I'm looking forward to the battle, but all of a sudden I just saw this anger and this tension. On one hand, we're not a threat; and two, you've lost your shit already. We haven't even started yet. I mean, you haven't got a boxing product yet, and it’s started. So, listen, this is bread and butter to me. The difference between Dana and me is I've been in those battles for 15 years with Frank [Warren], with Bob [Arum], with Oscar [De La Hoya], with all of them. And it is literally like riding a bike for me. I see these warning signs, like I saw in that video. I just thought, ‘Oh my God, this could be a little bit easier than I thought. But don't get me wrong, it's going to be a fun fight. But like I said, this is bread and butter for me.
“I don't mind when someone says something negative about me,” Hearn continued. “You don't see me boiling over and screaming down the interview. I’m just chilled. But I think they should answer some real questions, you know. And the most pressing question is, why do you want to change the Muhammad Ali Act or abolish the Muhammad Ali Act that is intact to protect fighters?”
White has made no secret that he is in support of the new Muhammad Ali Revival Act, which aims to make sweeping changes to the existing legislation. The California State Athletic Commission recently voted unanimously in support of the Act.
“We've seen the rumored success with the Muhammad Ali [Revival] Act,” said Hearn. “We know what that is. But we just keep doing what we're doing. And I like our spot right now.”
