“We can box”: Dana White issues huge challenge to Eddie Hearn amid major Tom Aspinall news

The relationship between Dana White and Eddie Hearn has never been fluid, and recently, it has escalated as fresh power play shook the combat sports business. It began as a promotional rivalry and has now grown into a tense standoff involving major signings.The rift between the duo escalated Tom Aspinall became the first signing of Hearn’s new talent agency. The move arrived shortly after White’s Zuffa Boxing venture signed Conor Benn away from Matchroom Boxing, a decision that already strained relations between the two promoters. As both sides are making bold business moves, the dispute has become one of the most talked-about conflicts across MMA and boxing circles.The rivalry reached a surprising moment when Dana White addressed the situation during an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored. Instead of limiting his response to business disagreements, the UFC CEO openly suggested settling matters in the ring.“Listen, if Eddie wants to box, we can box,” White stated with his signature blunt delivery.The remark came after Hearn’s public criticism of White’s handling of Aspinall during the aftermath of an eye injury suffered in a bout against Ciryl Gane. Hearn had previously spoken about the situation during an appearance on BBC 5 Live’s Boxing with Steve Bunce.“Tom Aspinall literally had his eye gouged out in a fight, and Dana White basically called him a crybaby and cast him aside, humiliated him in front of everybody,” Hearn said during the podcast episode.White has also taken issue with Hearn’s reaction after Benn signed with Zuffa Boxing. Speaking at a post-fight press conference, White criticized the promoter for how he handled the situation.“This guy’s supposed to be a friend. You’re f— crying? He’s going to make more money, and he had the right to match it. He could have matched it,” White said at the event.Despite the heated words, White later suggested he does not see Hearn’s latest move as a professional barrier, noting that he has worked with managers he has disagreed with in the past.Hearn’s announcement of Aspinall as the first athlete in the Matchroom Talent Agency quickly drew attention across the fight industry. The agency aims to represent athletes commercially and guide their careers beyond competition.“I started my professional career in Athlete management and over the past 30 years, I have built a wealth of experience in building global superstars,” Hearn said in a press release.“We believe in partnership and transparency with our clients but, most importantly, always delivering exceptional and innovative work. Grounded in honesty and fierce commitment, Matchroom Talent Agency is about transforming careers through relentless ambition and telling it straight.”He also highlighted why Aspinall was chosen as the agency’s first signing.“At the heart of everything we’ve done as a business over the last 40 years is identifying ordinary people, who have extraordinary talent. It has become a guiding principle to seek out people who are humble but heroic in equal measure. Their journey is our journey. Their triumph, our purpose.“UFC World Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall is the perfect embodiment of that – and he is the ideal, inaugural member of our team.”Aspinall welcomed the partnership as he continues recovering from double eye surgery.“I’m really excited to welcome Eddie (Hearn) and the Matchroom Sport group in a commercial and advisory role, and to become the first athlete to join the new Matchroom Talent Agency,” Aspinall said.“I’m really looking forward to working together and exploring some exciting opportunities as I continue my journey back into the cage.”Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.