Hearn Assesses Zuffa’s Position After Stevenson Signing
Eddie Hearn believes Zuffa has placed itself in a difficult spot by handing Shakur Stevenson a lucrative contract that now demands a marquee opponent to justify the investment. The Matchroom promoter argues the only fight that makes financial sense is Devin Haney, giving the former undisputed lightweight champion significant leverage in any negotiations. Hearn noted Haney was expected to sign with Zuffa as well, though his current status remains unclear.
According to Hearn, the narrative Zuffa promotes about enabling “the best vs the best” does not match reality. He pointed out that multiple champions and major names remain tied to DAZN and other promoters, limiting Stevenson’s actual options. Hearn dismissed Rayo Valenzuela as a viable pay-per-view headliner for a fighter of Stevenson’s new price tag, insisting the Haney matchup is the only one that balances the ledger.
Garcia-Benn Shift Highlights Zuffa’s Learning Curve
The Ryan Garcia versus Conor Benn announcement underscored the same dynamic. Originally structured as a Zuffa-controlled event on Paramount and Sky Sports, the fight evolved into a Ring card co-promoted by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy and Zuffa, airing on DAZN and Paramount. Hearn described the adjustment as humbling for Zuffa, forcing them to accept boxing’s established promotional ecosystem rather than dictate terms.
Hearn characterized Zuffa as control freaks who expected to interfere with existing broadcast and fighter contracts. He suggested the Garcia-Benn experience is teaching them that established promoters and networks will not simply lay down. With De La Hoya now sharing the stage with Dana White, Hearn believes Zuffa’s frustration over losing total control will only grow as they navigate the sport’s collaborative realities.