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Dana White ‘doesn’t get’ Eddie Hearn’s deal with Tom Aspinall; he was not impressed with boxing promoters

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LONDON – Dana White said he “doesn’t understand” Eddie Hearn’s move to sign UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to his newly formed Matchroom Talent Agency, adding that he has seen “less than nothing” from boxing promoters since getting involved in the sport.

Earlier this month, Aspinall signed a contract with Matchroom promoter Hearn, which will allow him to continue fighting in the UFC while Hearn and Matchroom look after his business and commercial interests.

The move came after White and his Zuffa Boxing promotion signed one of Matchroom’s top talents, Conor Benn, to a lucrative one-fight deal, which Hearn said was “devastating”.

Between the two, White questions Hearn’s decision to enter the MMA world.

“I don’t know what the thought process was [behind the move]– White told reporters after Saturday’s UFC event in London.

“Eddie would come out and say, ‘Oh, I can’t wait to compete against them [Zuffa boxing].

“And there are things they don’t know about boxing that they will learn.” And two weeks later he is an MMA manager. I don’t understand the movement.”

Pressed on how the UFC and Hearn negotiated, White was confident it would have no impact on the company’s ability to arrange another Aspinall fight.

He has also been characteristically blunt about the potential challenges that the likes of Frank Warren and other promoters will pose to boxing at Zuffa, admitting that he has been “disappointed” so far, as well as making a scathing assessment of the state of the sport today.

“We’ve dealt with some f***ing beauties over the last 25 years. I can promise you that,” White said.

“Eddie Hearn won’t be different. It doesn’t matter who the managers are. It doesn’t matter at all. We will make deals with the guys.

“Anyone who wants to compete. I love competing. To be sincere, I haven’t seen anyone in the boxing industry yet.

“I saw little more than nothing with these guys, and the last press conference I had after the last boxing match was quite disappointing, to be sincere.

“I expected a lot more. But when you look at the state of boxing, I don’t think it’s that substantial of a surprise.”

Since Hearn and Aspinall reached an agreement, the British promoter has been open about the ongoing pay issues with UFC fighters, and speaking after the weekend’s Matchroom showdown, Hearn told one of the biggest stories in MMA.

“[Jon Jones and Aspinall] are covered by the contract. If they didn’t have a contract, I could have done Aspinall against Jon Jones and I would probably pay them double what the UFC offered them,” he said.

His comments came later Jon Jones said that he was “ready, willing and physically able to step in” to fight at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in June, but was not offered the financial package he felt was worth it.

White himself responded to those comments in London when asked by ESPN, but reiterated that he believed Jones would never be on the most essential card in the company’s history, even though he acknowledged negotiations had taken place.

“Jon Jones has never fought on a White House card. How many times have I had to say that? He’s never fought on a White House card,” White said.

“I literally did two press conferences talking about this. These guys [matchmakers] they went out, found everything they thought was available and possible. And then I chose fights.

“There’s no way in hell I can put him on the card. It didn’t matter what the money was. Jon Jones was never going to fight on the White House card.”

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Derek Chisora Predicts Early KO in Dubois vs Wardley 2 Following First Fight Canvas Drama

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"Derek Chisora Predicts Early KO in Dubois vs Wardley 2 Following First Fight Canvas Drama"

Daniel Dubois seeks a repeat victory over Fabio Wardley in their WBO heavyweight title clash on Saturday, and ahead of the action, fellow British heavyweight Derek Chisora has offered his final prediction for the bout.

Wardley was elevated to full WBO world champion in late 2025 and accepted a daring first defence against ‘Triple D’ at Co-Op Live in Manchester, who had lost his IBF title to Oleksandr Usyk in his prior outing.

Despite being floored twice in the opening three rounds, Dubois was able to bring Wardley’s reign to an early end as he bounced back to dominate proceedings, battering Wardley until referee Howard Foster waved the contest off in round 11.

Wardley absorbed an enormous amount of punishment, but he was still quick to activate his rematch clause and initiate an immediate second meeting with Dubois, in the hopes of becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion.

Although, whilst pursuing a win that could define his career, Chisora told talkSPORT that he believes a second encounter with Dubois could turn out to be Wardley’s career finale, anticipating an early stoppage win for the reigning WBO heavyweight champion.

“I think that this is Wardley’s last fight. I don’t think that he wants to box anymore. This is his cash out.

“After three rounds, Daniel’s going to win it by knockout.”

All will be revealed when Dubois vs. Wardley II takes place this weekend at the O2 Arena in Londonwith Michael Gomez Jr set to challenge for Louie O’Doherty’s British lightweight title in the co-main event.

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Tyson Furys Advantage: The Importance of Leg Endurance in Boxing

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"Tyson Fury's Advantage: The Importance of Leg Endurance in Boxing"

Paulie Malignaggi likes Tyson Fury’s style against Anthony Joshuabut only if the Gypsy King’s legs still hold up to control range. He points out that Joshua must close the distance, yet doubts AJ has the footwork required to get there.

Fury’s movement creates the main problem. If he keeps Joshua following his lead and constantly resets AJ’s rhythm, Joshua risks spending the entire night chasing shadows instead of landing meaningful shots.

“AJ has to obviously get in close,” Malignaggi told Boxing King Media. “It’s not easy against a guy with the footing of Fury, but who knows, maybe Fury’s old legs are a little slower.”

That lingering doubt stops Paulie from locking in a definitive pick. Fury understands how to dictate distance against AJ, but executing that plan across twelve rounds takes functional wheels.

If Fury has lost a step, Joshua gets a direct route into punching range without burning energy on pursuit. AJ does not need sudden speed if Fury can no longer skip away. Joshua simply has to capitalize whenever Fury sits in the pocket.

At the same time, Malignaggi remains skeptical about Joshua’s mobility.

“I think AJ’s feet are a bit cumbersome, though. So, I think the size of the ring and things like that will also matter in the fight.”

A larger ring hands Fury extra space to glide and forces Joshua to cover real estate. A tighter ring gives AJ a clear path to trap his rival, though he must cut off the ring instead of trailing behind.

Paulie’s breakdown hinges entirely on Fury’s mobility. If the legs work, Joshua’s heavy feet could leave him swinging at air. If those legs fade, AJ suddenly finds a manageable target. Malignaggi spots the stylistic edge, but he refuses to assume Fury can still pull it off. He is analyzing a long-gone version of Tyson Fury from ten years ago, not the lumbering heavyweight who actually steps into the ring today.

That 2015 night in Düsseldorf against Wladimir Klitschko might as well belong to another century. Ever since the Usyk beatdowns, the slow-motion survival against Wach, and that labored outing against Makhmudov, Fury has looked completely grounded.

The twitch reflex is gone, the lateral bounce has vanished, and his upper-body slips look like they are running through wet cement. When heavyweight legs check out, no amount of altitude running or motivational talk in Morecambe brings them back.

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Boxing 24/7 Wire

Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.

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Nakisa Bidarian Explains the Financial Principles Driving Canelos Commitment

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"Nakisa Bidarian Explains the Financial Principles Driving Canelo's Commitment"

Nakisa Bidarian believes Canelo Alvarez could lose his purse if he withdraws from the October 31 fight with Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, but might still get paid if the organizers cancel. His theory offers a financial explanation for Canelo’s commitment to fighting despite the security concerns.

“My read: Canelo is due a lot of money. If he pulls out he is no longer due that money. If the event is cancelled he is probably also due that money. Tough situation,” said Bidarian on X.

Turki Alalshikh says Canelo remains committed to fighting Mbilli in Riyadh following deadly attacks on the city’s international airport. Reuters reported that a Saturday strike killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with another attack on Sunday killing one person.

Bidarian’s reading gives Canelo’s willingness to proceed another possible explanation beyond the “he fears nothing” message. Under that theory, Canelo could protect his payday by remaining ready to fight and letting the organizers decide whether the event can proceed.

That would put Canelo in an awkward position. He could have concerns about traveling without wanting to formally withdraw and potentially give up a huge purse. Saying he’s available would make financial sense even if he privately preferred a postponement or a different location.

However, Bidarian hasn’t presented Canelo’s contract or identified a cancellation clause. His wording makes clear that this is his interpretation. Whether Canelo would receive payment after a cancellation remains unconfirmed.

His post also doesn’t establish that money is driving Canelo’s decision. But the public declaration that he’ll fight tells us little about the contractual consequences of refusing to travel.

There’s also an entire card to consider. Canelo saying he’s willing to fight doesn’t settle the safety and travel questions facing Mbilli, the undercard fighters, their trainers, and the event staff. They all have to get there, prepare, and work through fight week.

The organizers still have to explain how they intend to stage the event safely. Canelo’s commitment gives them a willing headliner. It doesn’t answer those questions.

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About the author

Boxing 24/7 Wire

Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.

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