Hearn's Defense of Boxing

Eddie Hearn, one of the most prominent boxing promoters globally, has strongly refuted claims that boxing is 'broken' following UFC president Dana White's announcement of a new boxing league. White's league, backed by Saudi Arabian investors, aims to revolutionize the sport by introducing a model similar to MMA, including exclusive fighter contracts and new world titles.

The Saudi Influence

White's partnership with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's general entertainment authority, signifies a significant shift in the boxing landscape. Saudi Arabia has been a major player in boxing investments over the past two years, and this new league will operate under the TKO banner, which also owns the UFC and WWE.

Challenges to Traditional Boxing

Hearn expressed skepticism about the feasibility of applying the UFC model to boxing. 'I think Dana has a great spot in MMA where you can control the fighter, the commercial, everything. You have to do what you're told,' Hearn said. 'That's not really going to work in boxing. Also, fighters are drastically overpaid in boxing, and the margins in MMA are different, so it's going to be interesting.'

The Future of World Titles

There has been speculation that the new league might eventually replace the four major world titles (WBA, WBO, IBF, and WBC) with its own belt. Hearn, however, believes that the major world titles will remain relevant. 'Dana's comments saying any belt with three letters before doesn't matter – I disagree. If you really believe a fighter doesn't put huge value on a WBC championship, you're mistaken,' Hearn stated.

Economic and Political Implications

Saudi Arabia's investment in sports, estimated at £5 billion since 2021, is part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. Critics, however, argue that this investment is also aimed at improving the country's international image, a practice often referred to as 'sportswashing.'

Conclusion

While the new league introduces exciting possibilities for the sport, Hearn remains confident in boxing's current state and its ability to adapt. 'Boxing is in a great place, it always has been. There's always ways we can improve it, but the fact those guys want to come into boxing shows where it's at,' Hearn concluded.