March 16, 2025
‘Worst in the world’ – Eddie Hearn warns Dana White to ‘sleep with one eye open’ as UFC boss joins boxing world with TKO thumbnail
Sport news

‘Worst in the world’ – Eddie Hearn warns Dana White to ‘sleep with one eye open’ as UFC boss joins boxing world with TKO

The UFC supremo’s venture into boxing is already taking its toll Chisanga Malata, Senior Digital & Print Combat Sports Reporter Published: 14:59, 16 Mar 2025 Updated: 14:59, 16 Mar 2025 EDDIE HEARN has warned UFC supremo Dana White he’ll have to “sleep with one eye open” following his venture into the boxing world. White has”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk

The UFC supremo’s venture into boxing is already taking its toll

  • Published: 14:59, 16 Mar 2025
  • Updated: 14:59, 16 Mar 2025
An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Two men smiling for a photo in a gym
EDDIE HEARN has warned UFC supremo Dana White he’ll have to “sleep with one eye open” following his venture into the boxing world.

White has been installed as the head of the TKO Group’s Saudi and Ring Magazine-backed boxing league, which was officially announced earlier this month.

Four men sitting at a table signing documents.  The Ring, TKO, and Sela logos are visible on the wall behind them.

4

The TKO Group announced the launch of their Saudi-backed boxing league earlier this monthCredit: INSTAGRAM@TURKIALALSHIKH

Two men at a press conference.

4

Turki Alalshikh has enlisted Dana White’s services to implement a UFC model for the leagueCredit: INSTAGRAM@DANAWHITE

Two men smiling for a photo in a gym.

4

Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn has issued a stark warning to the UFC supremoCredit: INSTAGRAM@EDDIEHEARNSaudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh has tasked White with the job of implementing the UFC model in the league, the name of which is still a mystery.

White has helped transform the UFC from a failing promotion into a multi-billion pound behemoth, but fellow promoter Hearn has warned the American that boxing is a different kettle of fish.

The Matchroom chief told iFL TV: “Boxing is the worst business in the world.

“I hope these guys have got the appetite to be up all f*****g night and sleep with one eye open every single day.

READ MORE ON TKO BOXING

“Because you’re not going to get control where you can go to bed at 10 o’clock [at night] and wake up at 8 o’clock [in the morning] and expect the industry and your situation to be exactly the same.

“It doesn’t work like that. Every f****r is out there hustling every single day. Guess what? I’m one of them.”

White, 55, is no stranger to the intense demands of running a successful promotion and sacrificing sleep and time with loved ones.

But he admits his schedule is now busier than ever, saying during the UFC 313 post-fight press conference: “I thought I was busy, I didn’t realize what busy was until the last couple of weeks.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, at a boxing match.

4

Turki Alalshikh initially vowed to “crush” other boxing promotions but has seemingly changed his tuneCredit: GETTY“We’re gonna find out this year [if I can handle it all], this year is gonna be the.

“We’re gonna find out this year, we’ll see how long I can run this hard.”

Eddie Hearn jokes he is ‘totally finished’ after UFC boss Dana White enters boxing with Turki Alsheikh

The official announcement of the TKO Group’s venture into the boxing world sent shockwaves throughout the sport, as did Alalshikh’s vow to “crush” rival promotions.

But Alalshikh has somewhat backtracked on his apparent declaration of war, saying: “The relationship between Riyadh Season, Ring Magazine and the promoters will continue at least for the next one or two years.

“This depends on their reactions and about the options they will give us. If it is good for us, we will do it.

“In this situation, I like what Matchroom and Eddie Hearn are doing.

“Eddie is still discussing with me and my team about making the big fights around the world.

“He has decided to continue to work with us, and we will continue to do business with him.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

“Also, we have had a lot of discussions with Golden Boy to have some of their fighters on different cards.

“Me and my team are always happy to work with the promoters in boxing if they give us good options.”

Related posts

Man City and Brighton spent a match in the APL: penalties, a motorway, marble and masterpiece

sport ua

AMBITION ✨What are Demi Vollering’s biggest goals for 2025? 👀

Euro sport

Soccer Aid 2025: Date, start time, TV channel, live stream as huge charity match returns with Tyson Fury in the dugout

etonline com

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More