Boxing's biggest names are clashing with the new kids on the block, and the gloves are off! Eddie Hearn, a prominent figure in the boxing world, is making his stance crystal clear regarding the UFC's influence and its parent company, TKO's, efforts to reshape the landscape of boxing. Hearn's comments, shared with Fight Hub TV and other reporters following Jaron Ennis's victory, highlight a stark contrast in how the two sports operate.
Hearn's primary concern revolves around TKO's push to alter the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act through the proposed Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. This act aims to introduce the company's championship belts alongside the existing titles from boxing's major sanctioning bodies (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO).
"We're not interested," Hearn stated firmly when asked about potential collaborations with Dana White, the UFC's president. "We don't want to change the ring. We don't want to change the Muhammad Ali Act. This is how we work." Hearn emphasizes the transparency in boxing, where fighters and their teams have full access to revenue details.
But here's where it gets controversial... Hearn contrasts boxing's financial model with that of MMA. He points out that in boxing, the majority of revenue goes to the fighters, while in MMA, the promoter typically takes the lion's share. Hearn's disinterest in TKO's proposed changes extends to the introduction of additional fight belts, alterations to the Muhammad Ali Act, and modifications to the ring's shape or rules. He prioritizes the essence of boxing itself, its history, and its legacy.
And this is the part most people miss... The Muhammad Ali Act was designed to protect boxers from exploitation. Hearn's stance suggests a defense of the sport's established values, while TKO's actions could be seen as an attempt to consolidate power and control.
What do you think? Do you agree with Hearn's concerns, or do you see potential benefits in TKO's proposed changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
