Eddie Hearn Is Stealing Dana White’s Blueprint for More Knockouts in Boxing

The jabs, the hooks, and the uppercuts – boxing is a beautiful sport. Even if it’s just 12 rounds of technical ring play or early finishes and heavy knockdowns, there’s something gripping about watching fighters engage in the sweet science. You just can’t help but fall in love with everything about it; the joy of being a boxing fan is about to multiply as Matchroom top-dog, Eddie Hearn, is now on the verge of taking this sport to the next level.

Eddie Hearn recently shared his thoughts on replicating UFC’s model of handing out knockout or fight of the night bonuses to fighters. Ahead of the Galahad vs Martinez main event, Hearn revealed that he is interested in moving the sport in that direction. He believes this system will incentivize more fighters to show more aggressive striking and also put a show on for the fans.

Hearn has praised UFC President Dana White on multiple occasions and looks up to him as a top MMA promoter; however, he insists on not labeling this move as a “copy” because he has reportedly been working on this for quite some time.

“Yeah, I mean it wasn’t a direct copy of the UFC but it’s something that I’ve thought about for a long time,” Hearn claimed.

“I think we should do more of that, I think we should have more fight of the night, knock out bonuses, all that kind of stuff because we want to see entertainment, we want to see great fights.

“Sometimes you’re not incentivized to win in that style, you just want to win,” added Eddie Hearn.

Eddie Hearn has already set the change in motion

Eddie Hearn doesn’t just talk the talk and then not walk the walk. He is now leading this change and is setting it in motion right away. On Saturday night, Matchroom Boxing will try out knockout bonuses.

Hearn is confident this will push and incentivize more fighters to give the fans exactly what they want and pay for.

As of now, it seems it is applicable only to a selected few fighters. Two undefeated welterweights, James Flint and Dom Hunt, who will be fighting for the Central Area welterweight title on November 13 will clash it out for the KO bonus.

Read More: WATCH: David Benavidez Knocked Down by Ronald Gavril

“I put Flint against Hunt on to open the broadcast, one because he’s a really good fighter, two undefeated guys just going to give everything and I just thought what I’ll do is I’ll double your purse if you win by knockout.

“Chris Billam-Smith asked if that applies to him as well. The answer’s no because he punches a lot harder than him (Dylan Bregeon),” said Eddie Hearn.

This is a huge step for the sport; if other big promoters decide to push for this as well, boxing would benefit at large.

Also Read: David Benavidez Net Worth: How Much Does He Make Per Fight?