“These fighters, they don’t even sign with Zuffa,” Hearn told iFL TV. “They’re fighting to score Ring cards on Netflix cards.”
Hearn argued that the big Riyadh season-backed events will 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 that 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 presenting Zuffa’s smaller cards.
“The Zuffa shows stay in the garage and are traded in the squash courts with your own gloves, and shoes and socks provided for you,” Hearn said. “And it’s absolute toilet.”
Hearn also mocked previous comments from Dana White and TKO executives about Zuffa Boxing’s influence in the sport.
“They just don’t have a clue about boxing. Not a clue,” Hearn said.
He also disputed public claims that Zuffa Boxing had overtaken established promoters.
“They did four shows this year,” Hearn said. “Matchroom did 10. Frank Warren probably did 10. Golden Boy did six.”
Hearn later questioned statements from TKO executives who publicly suggested the company was affiliated with 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 weren’t going to have anything to do with Fury against AJ.”
The comments come as Dana White continues to expand deeper into boxing through his partnership with Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season. Fighters like Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney have already been linked to future Zuffa involvement, although Hearn clearly believes the biggest fights will continue to happen under separate Saudi-backed banners linked to Netflix distribution.
