UFC CEO Dana White has found himself a new rival in Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn.
White’s focus has shifted away from running the UFC in recent years, as Zuffa Boxing has taken up more of his time and attention. White wants to fix boxing by building that organization, and so far, things are going according to plan. White has openly mocked the other boxing promoters for failing to muster any sort of defense to the Zuffa Boxing takeover.
Zuffa Boxing’s biggest move yet was likely the signing of Conor Benn to a massive $15 million contract. Though Benn is only signed for a single fight, the poaching of Benn still sent Hearn into an emotional spiral. Hearn isn’t taking the abuse laying down, however, as he’s already fired back in the media and recently signed current UFC Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to his management group. Does that mean Aspinall eventually ends up in the ring? Who knows, but negotiations could get a little awkward whenever Aspinall’s eyes heal up.
All told, the battle between White and Hearn is just heating up, but could it ever get physical? In an interview with Piers Morgan, White was open to the idea of boxing Hearn if challenged … despite a significant size and youth disadvantage.
“Listen, if Eddie wants to box, we can box,” White began. “I don’t think Eddie wants to box … Back in the day I used to box with all the guys, boxers and UFC guys. I have boxed. Absolutely [I’m up to box].”
This is not the first timed White has threatened to box an adversary. Way back in the day, White was supposed to box Tito Ortiz, an athlete who White once represented as a manager before their relationship soured in very public fashion. They were briefly scheduled for a three-round boxing match that ultimately fizzled out — which is about the maximum I would expect from this rivalry.
For those who were around during the Dana White vs. Tito Ortiz days … it may be time to call your doctor and schedule that colonoscopy.
