Eddie Hearn Explains Why Dana White Will Find It Difficult to Change Boxing’s Rules
Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn believes that Dana White and TKO’s plans to enter the professional boxing market will face significant challenges due to the unique structure of the sport.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, the British promoter stated that the business model that has been highly successful in the UFC cannot simply be transferred to professional boxing.
“They are used to doing whatever they want. Unfortunately for them, boxing doesn’t work like that,” Hearn said.
In recent months, there has been growing discussion surrounding TKO Group Holdings’ plans to enter the boxing industry. TKO, the parent company of UFC and WWE, was formed following the merger of the two global sports entertainment brands. Through TKO, UFC president Dana White and his partners are aiming to develop a new boxing venture.
According to Hearn, one of the biggest challenges is that modern boxing operates through a complex network of promoters, broadcasters, and exclusive contractual agreements.
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The Matchroom chairman specifically highlighted the relationship between UFC and the streaming platform DAZN.
“I don’t even know if he knows, but DAZN are the broadcaster for the UFC in major international territories, and he’s out there saying, ‘Who are DAZN?’ I mean, they’re your broadcaster,” Hearn said.
In Hearn’s view, such comments demonstrate a misunderstanding of the role media partners play within professional boxing.
As an example, he referenced a potential fight between Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia, arguing that such an event could not be made without cooperation between multiple promoters.
“If Dana White wants to make Conor Benn against Ryan Garcia, he’s got to co-promote it with Oscar De La Hoya,” Hearn explained.
The British promoter also addressed Ryan Garcia’s existing relationship with DAZN, noting that the streaming platform has invested heavily in the American star’s career.
“They’ve ploughed millions into Ryan Garcia. You can’t just allow someone to go and do a major fight on another platform,” he said.
Hearn added that even Matchroom fighters appearing on other platforms require extensive negotiations with broadcasting partners. He pointed to examples involving Katie Taylor and Anthony Joshua, where agreements had to be reached with DAZN before any alternative platform appearances could take place.
According to Hearn, respect for existing contracts and cooperation among promoters, broadcasters, and fighters are fundamental elements of professional boxing.
“They just don’t respect or adhere to any rules, and boxing doesn’t work like that,” Hearn concluded.
Despite growing interest from TKO in entering the boxing business, Hearn believes that any new player will need to adapt to the established structure of the sport rather than attempt to reshape it unilaterally.
This article is based on Eddie Hearn’s interview with Fight Hub TV.
