Promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly questioned Dana White’s authority within Zuffa Boxing, claiming the UFC president is a figurehead while TKO president Nick Khan controls the company’s strategy. The comments add to the ongoing rivalry between boxing’s established promoters and the new venture.
Hearn’s assessment followed a recent meeting between the competing promotional groups, which he noted White did not attend. Instead, Zuffa was represented by Khan, who Hearn identifies as the true operator. “Dana’s the face, if you like. But he has no real operational, strategical role in Zuffa. I think Nick Khan runs the company. He decides who they sign, what they’re going to do, where they’re going with the shows, and that’s played out to Dana and he has to go and stand up there and deliver it,” Hearn stated. This assertion reframes the public feud, positioning Khan, not White, as his primary business rival.
The meeting itself, which included representatives from Matchroom, Queensberry, DAZN and Zuffa, did not yield any significant agreements. However, it marked a shift from public disputes to direct dialogue. Hearn commented on the outcome, saying, “I wasn’t like nothing really come of it to be honest with you, but it kind of opened the lines of communication versus just going back and forth at each other on social media.”
Despite the talks, Hearn made it clear that he and fellow promoter Frank Warren are prepared for intense competition as Zuffa expands its boxing presence. He emphasised the personal and generational investment he has in the sport. “What you’ve got to understand is you don’t underestimate what it means to us. Our business. It’s our family business, and it’s our absolute life,” said Hearn. This sentiment underscores the high stakes for legacy promoters facing a well-funded new entrant. He concluded with a direct challenge to the incoming competition. “We ain’t going to lay down, mate. So don’t think you’re going to come in here and start winning because you ain’t going to.”
