“These fighters, they’re not even signing to Zuffa,” Hearn said to iFL TV. “They’re fighting to sign on Ring cards on Netflix cards.”
Hearn argued that the major Riyadh Season-backed events would remain the true destination for boxing’s biggest names, regardless of Dana White’s growing involvement in the sport.
He also mocked the scale of Zuffa Boxing’s recent events, claiming he was barely aware one of their cards had even taken place.
“Apparently, I didn’t even know they had a show on Sunday,” Hearn said. “I work in boxing. I’m like an addict.”
The Matchroom promoter then took direct aim at the presentation of Zuffa’s smaller cards.
“The Zuffa shows remain in the garage getting changed in the squash courts with your own gloves, and shoes and socks provided for you,” Hearn said. “And it is absolute toilet.”
Hearn also ridiculed previous comments from Dana White and TKO executives about Zuffa Boxing’s influence in the sport.
“They just have not got a clue about boxing. Not a clue,” Hearn said.
He also challenged public claims that Zuffa Boxing had already surpassed established promoters.
“They’ve done four shows this year,” Hearn said. “Matchroom have done 10. Frank Warren’s probably done 10. Golden Boy have done six.”
Hearn later questioned statements from TKO executives who publicly suggested the company was attached to major boxing events.
“The reality is, Zuffa TKO said they were the promoters for Fury against Makhmudov,” Hearn said. “They had nothing to do with that fight, just like they’re going to have nothing to do with Fury against AJ.”
The comments come as Dana White continues expanding deeper into boxing through his partnership with Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season. Fighters such as Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney have already been linked to future Zuffa involvement, although Hearn clearly believes the biggest fights will continue happening under separate Saudi-backed banners tied to Netflix distribution.
Read the full article here
