Hearn And Warren Let The Wolf In, Says Lou DiBella

Promoter Lou DiBella criticized rival boxing promoters for celebrating Zuffa's early promotional struggles, arguing that Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren originally paved the way for powerful outside entities to enter the sport. DiBella told Total Boxing that traditional promotional outfits are not necessarily thriving or benefiting just because free-agent fighters like Shakur Stevenson hit the open market.

DiBella stated that Hearn and Warren are primarily responsible for welcoming outside financial influence into boxing, which ultimately created an independent power structure. He added that despite early challenges, TKO maintains substantial business connections and broadcast reach in North America that competitors cannot simply overlook.