“This is Stubbornness!”- Eddie Hearn Slams Dana White’s Move to Hold Weekly Fights

UFC President Dana White announced he will hold weekly fights to bring back normalcy into the world. His decision has been lauded by sports fans who have been starved of action. However, one person is not on board with White’s ambitious plans.  

“This is stubbornness” – Eddie Hearn slams Dana White

The match room boxing head has been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Hearn has suspended a whole number of bouts across the United States and Britain and brands UFC’s decision to hold events as unbelievable. 

Hearn said to Express Sport, “I’d like to think that in boxing, there’s no one more ‘roll your sleeves up and get on with it’ than me. He added that even he wouldn’t consider holding an event right now, “I’m not even thinking about options, not even on the radar.”

Hearn brands the move by the UFC as stubborn. However, he admits that it is one of the things that makes Dana white successful. The promoter went for broadcaster ESPN too. 

“I’m quite surprised ESPN is going ahead with this, obviously they want ratings and money. But with Sky Sports and DAZN, I would not be allowed to stage events right now. It’s bad taste to be quite honest.”

Hearn admits he admires White for “cracking on” as he knows the feeling of being able to do something after being doubted and written off.  Simultaneously he also says, “come on don’t be mad.” 

UFC 249 Will go ahead as per schedule

The UFC 249 main event sees Tony Ferguson fight Justin Gaethje. It will be for the Interim Lightweight Championship. This fight was set at short notice as Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is stranded in Russia. 

In addition to this, there will be eleven other fights. Rose Namajumas will take on Jessica Andrade in a Women’s Strawweight fight. Dana White assured ESPN, “we’re going to do everything above and beyond to make sure everybody is safe.”

 White hopes other sports take his example and go ahead in holding regular sports. A BoxingScene article says Regis Porgrais who was to face Maurice Hooker at a show next week was calling for Hearn to follow White’s footsteps. Unfortunately, boxing will not be joining them as Hearn does not mind sitting out during the pandemic.