Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn has brutally mocked UFC CEO Dana White following a major setback for White’s promotional outfit, Zuffa Boxing.
The fiery war of words between the two powerhouses reached a boiling point after marquee signing Shakur Stevenson unexpectedly severed ties with the company without ever stepping into the ring under its banner.
Hearn’s blistering critique
Hearn labeled Zuffa Boxing “embarrassing” and claimed the venture was effectively “finished” after losing its most high-profile star. Speaking on the fallout, Hearn questioned how a major promotional operation could sign a marquee fighter only for them to exit mere months later.
“How can you sign your most high-profile fighter and then he leaves you without even fighting? I don’t think that, in the history of boxing, that has ever happened,” Hearn declared during a recent interview.
Stevenson’s unfiltered explanation
The drama unfolded after Stevenson publicly revealed his frustration over stalled fight negotiations. The multi-division champion explained that he spent eight weeks in training camp preparing for scheduled bouts that ultimately failed to materialize.
Rather than remaining inactive, Stevenson chose to walk away to pursue the biggest matchups available in the 135 and 140-pound divisions.
The clashing philosophies
This latest stumble highlights the growing friction between traditional promoters and UFC executives trying to enter the sport. While White envisioned Zuffa Boxing dominating the marketplace by establishing alternative championships and high-paying contracts, critics argue that trying to run boxing like MMA creates logistical chaos.
For Hearn, the collapse of Stevenson’s contract simply proves that White lacks the nuanced experience required to navigate top-tier boxing negotiations.
