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Eddie Hearn ready to 'go to war' against rival promoter in 2026
Matchroom's Eddie Hearn is ready to embrace the rivalry with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing next year.
Earlier this week, Zuffa Boxing confirmed its plans for 2026 by striking a television deal with Paramount+ which will broadcast 12 shows.
In addition to the newly inked broadcast deal, White also announced that his new organisation will not be recognising any of the world title belts from boxing's traditional sanctioning bodies the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO. Instead, Zuffa Boxing will be creating its own belt and only recognising the Ring Magazine belt when it comes to boxing's historic world titles.
The UFC president was quick to criticise his promotional rivals claiming that 'they don't think big enough'.
It's no surprise that Hearn had a response to White's ambitious plans and he is ready to go toe-to-toe with the man who made the UFC the sporting giant it is today.
"When he comes out and says things like ‘We’re going to take over boxing. I’m going to be the CEO,’ what do you expect me to do? Roll over like a puppy and let him tickle my belly," Hearn told The Stomping Ground.
"No, we’re going to war, because you’re coming into my market, coming into my business where I believe I’m number one and you’re telling me you’re going to be number one.
"It’s a shootout, it’s a fight, there will be no nastiness. I’m not going to talk about him negatively or personally; I’m up for the fight."
When it comes to the talent which are likely to feature on Zuffa Boxing, it appears that the organisation will be targeting prospects rather than established names.
But will the new Zuffa belt be enough to tempt some of boxing's biggest names to make the switch if the title gains enough respect and credibility?
Hearn doesn't think so and thinks it will be a title fighters will have no interest in.
"The Zuffa belt for me is a belt no boxer has any interest in at all. I know this because in the past, I’ve looked at a Matchroom belt, the fighters have no interest."
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