Hearn Blasts White Over Stevenson Release

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn unloaded on Dana White and Zuffa Boxing after pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson secured his release from the promotion without ever stepping into the ring for them.

Stevenson represented arguably the biggest signing in Zuffa Boxing's brief history, making his departure before a single bout a significant blow to the Saudi-backed venture. Hearn initially thought the news was staged when reports surfaced Monday. "I thought it was a publicity stunt, to be honest with you," Hearn told iFL TV, as reported by MMA Fighting. "Like, until Shakur's team called me, messaged me last night, I thought it was all just some kind of stunt for an announcement, because it was so bad, so embarrassing, so humiliating for Zuffa, that I thought it can't be real."

Hearn Questions Zuffa Boxing's Future After Stevenson Exit

The Matchroom chief pointed out that Zuffa Boxing has not held an American event since July and questioned the promotion's understanding of the boxing business. He credited Stevenson's team for recognizing the situation and extracting their fighter before further damage could occur. Hearn also noted that Devin Haney avoided signing with Zuffa and instead struck a deal with DAZN, while Stevenson has not fought since January 2026.

The Stevenson debacle follows other setbacks for the White-backed promotion, including Conor Benn's September loss to Ryan Garcia. Hearn, who previously promoted Benn through Matchroom, described the entire Zuffa Boxing venture as a "monstrosity" and an "embarrassment" while suggesting fighters should avoid putting their careers in the hands of non-boxing people.

Despite the harsh assessment, Hearn acknowledged that Zuffa Boxing's backing from Turki Alalshikh and Saudi entertainment company Sela gives them the financial resources to continue. However, he believes the promotion has shown its limitations. Stevenson is now free to negotiate with other promoters ahead of his return to the ring.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Eddie Hearn rips Dana White over Shakur Stevenson situation: ‘Awful. Disaster. Monstrosity. Embarrassment.’