Dana White’s opposition to the boxing leadership existed prior to his involvement as a boxing promoter. He’s targeted the sanctioning bodies, Oscar De La Hoya, and most recently Eddie Hearn.
At the Zuffa Boxing 3 post-fight press conference, Dana White described the leaders of boxing
organizations as a ‘bunch of babies’.
He stated that promoting boxing fights was easier than expected, with barely any competition
from the other promoters.
The purpose behind White’s latest endeavor, Zuffa boxing, was to bring about changes in the sport. According to White, despite boxing being a billion-dollar sport, it is currently in decline with not much to show for it.
The problems White identifies with boxing’s present state revolve around its politics, delayed
bouts, and an excess of decorative titles.
White also essentially labeled Eddie Hearn a “nepo baby,” claiming he worked for his dad.
Eddie Hearn clapped back and had some harsh words for Dana and Zuffa boxing as well.
Hearn, a long-time boxing promoter, rightly feels insulted by Dana White’s dismissal of his accomplishments.
Eddie took charge of Matchroom from his father, Barry, and has since been the driving force
behind some of the biggest boxing matches such as Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. and
Canelo Álvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin.
Under Hearn, Matchroom Boxing has organized events in various other locations, including
Ghana, Saudi Arabia, and Monaco.
With the competition building, we can expect more banter between Dana White and other boxing
promoters.
So far, Zuffa has hosted three boxing events and has signed notable boxers like Conor Benn, Jai Opetaia, and Callum Walsh.
Zuffa’s strategy for improving boxing involves matching undefeated fighters with tough opponents instead of picking easier matchups.
The promotion currently operates eight weight divisions. This stands in contrast to the seventeen weight divisions employed by major boxing organizations such as the WBC, IBF, WBO, and WBA.Fighters under the Zuffa banner will also can compete for a ‘Zuffa’ belt signifying their championship status within the organizationan
