The Sports Business Journal interviewed Matchroom Boxing’s promoter Eddie Hearn and he had some thoughts on combat sports pay and the latest entrant into the sport, TKO Boxing.
Hearn told SBJ that he thinks that Zuffa could cause a “rupture” with UFC fighters because TKO will have to pay boxers higher fees than UFC fighters. He has noticed that he has had issues in signing fighters to be on Matchroom boxing cards because they say they have signed with TKO.
Also of note, the TKO is supporting an amendment to the Ali Act which would make it easier for the organization to run a boxing promotion insulated from other promoters or sanctioning organizations.
While complementing White on his business acumen, Hearn also cautioned that TKO’s entry into boxing will cause discontent among MMA fighters under the Zuffa umbrella due to the inference that boxers are paid more than UFC fighters. One need only look at the clamor for so many UFC fighters to attempt to box.
Bob Arum indicated that boxers make 80% of the revenue from events while UFC fighters make 20%. As we know from the UFC Antitrust lawsuit, discovery revealed that percentage to be less than 20%.
Certainly Hearn’s comments are biased considering that TKO Boxing venture will eat into his market share. But, his comments about pay rates of boxers versus UFC fighters are valid. There are three current antitrust lawsuits ongoing, and the Le lawsuit settled with many UFC fighters receiving a hefty settlement. The amendment to the Ali Act will be a game changer for the boxing industry and the ripple effect to the UFC will be something to follow.
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