Eddie Hearn Nears Agreement for Boxing Match Against Dana White
Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn, 47, is closing in on a sensational boxing showdown with rival Dana White after holding advanced talks over a mega-money deal. The promoter could swap his suit for boxing gloves to settle his explosive feud with the UFC boss, with Misfits Boxing promoter Kalle Sauerland attempting to make the extraordinary clash happen.
Sauerland previously dangled a staggering $20million winner-takes-all purse in front of the warring pair. However, negotiations with Hearn are progressing while UFC boss Dana White, 57, has yet to respond to the written proposal.
What Kalle Sauerland Said About the Negotiations
Speaking to IFL TV, Sauerland provided an update on the status of the prospective bout. Sauerland said, "With Eddie, we're not far off. I think he'd confirm that if you ask him, on the terms." He added, "There's a couple of loops, but we're close. We're very close with Eddie, and Dana's had it in writing."
The proposed financial package has shifted since the initial concept was floated. Sauerland revealed the proposed purse has changed from $20m for the winner to a straight $10m offer. The Misfits chief insists the proposal is genuine, having contacted both promoters directly, though he jokingly claimed the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been booked for the potential blockbuster a day after Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua.
History of the Feud Between Eddie Hearn and Dana White
Hearn's relationship with White has become increasingly bitter from the start of this year. The friction began ever since White moved into the boxing world alongside the sport's primary financial backer, Turki Alalshikh. Their rivalry started when White launched Zuffa Boxing and began competing directly with established promoters, including Matchroom.
Along the way, White signed Conor Benn, one of Hearn's closest fighters, causing a massive uproar in the boxing world. In response, Hearn branched into athlete management with the Matchroom Talent Agency, snapping up major UFC names like Tom Aspinall and Ian Machado Garry.
Disputes Over the Fury Versus Joshua Fight
The biggest rift between the two executives surrounds the build-up to the historic Fury versus Joshua fight. Hearn has repeatedly disputed the UFC chief's claims of helping stage the event, leading to sharp clashes over White's actual promotional involvement.
The two monster figures have even traded challenges to settle their differences inside the ring. Hearn previously insisted he would be willing to face White, after it was White who sparked the speculation during a Piers Morgan interview. White claimed he would box the Matchroom boss, though the man behind Power Slap has since backtracked on those initial words.
What Needs to Happen Next for the Fight to Occur
While Sauerland remains optimistic about persuading Hearn, he admitted receiving no response from White. Until the UFC supremo gives the green light, the extraordinary Misfits showdown remains a long way from becoming reality.
The schedule for upcoming boxing events remains packed through the end of the year. Fans are currently focused on the Battle of Britain between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, with the pair set to finally settle their decade-long rivalry in December.
Other fights on the calendar include Joshua Buatsi against Willy Hutchinson 2 and Chris Billam-Smith against Cheavon Clarke in November. December features bouts such as David Benavidez against Michal Cieslak, Dmitry Bivol against Callum Smith, Anthony Cacace against Nick Ball, and Jake Paul against Cedric Doumbe.
