AWFUL -Eddie Hearn TELLS Usyk to rematch Verhoeven - RIPS Dana & Zuffa boxing!

Summary

Eddie Hearn (with J Martinez from FireHood TV, in Houston, Texas) discusses several upcoming boxing matches and how key results could influence heavyweight and pound-for-pound rankings.

Upcoming event and fan excitement

• Hearn says he recently returned from Germany and is eager for Saturday’s fight.
• He notes the event has strong buildup and should draw around 6,000 attendees.
• He highlights the excitement among hardcore boxing fans.
• He also describes press-conference banter, including a heated exchange where “Ray” dismissed/insulted back.
• Hearn emphasizes that fighters should show intensity without necessarily becoming violent.

Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven (retrospective)

• Hearn reflects on Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven, calling it a surprise fight that went to the 11th round.
• He argues Usyk had the right motivation, but frames it as a “money fight” rather than a legacy-focused showdown.
• He suggests the stoppage might have been early, believing Usyk could likely have succeeded even later—potentially the 12th.
• Hearn gives credit to Rico for his unorthodox style and performance.
• He adds that if he were Usyk, he would rematch Rico immediately in Holland, potentially ending his career on a win.

Conflict with Dana White / UFC-Zuffa

• The conversation shifts to Hearn’s ongoing conflict with Dana White and UFC/Zuffa.
• Hearn claims Dana has struggled publicly, describing it as “having the worst year” for UFC.
• He references Dana calling Hearn out for a boxing match, while Hearn says Dana backed away.
• Hearn uses this contrast to question Dana’s credibility and suggests his own boxing profile has grown partly due to Dana’s attention.

Anthony Joshua’s return

• Hearn discusses Anthony Joshua’s comeback, describing it as a “ferocious performance” expected based on:
  • pain,
  • motivation from training camp,
  • and support from Alexander Usyk.
• He describes the opponent as undefeated with many knockouts—calling it a solid test, though not necessarily world-class.
• He says the Joshua comeback will determine what comes next.

Future big fights and ranking implications

• Hearn expects Tyson Fury vs. Joshua to be signed for mid-November, but says Joshua must first pass his current fight.
• He calls it the biggest boxing fight “this year” in terms of anticipated impact.
• He also highlights other major matchups:
  • Boots vs. Xander, framed as a fight-of-the-year contender around June 27
  • Bam Rodriguez vs. Anu (Inoue), with praise for Bam’s urgency to face big opponents now

If Bam defeats his next opponent (Vargas), Hearn believes the Inoue fight could develop into a major multi-division championship storyline.

Expectations for Boots vs. Xander

• Hearn says he rates Boots extremely highly, even calling him pound-for-pound number one.
• He acknowledges Xander is a strong competitor.
• He argues that if Boots beats Xander convincingly, Boots should be recognized formally on pound-for-pound lists.

Canelo’s upcoming return

• Hearn discusses Canelo’s return, describing him as competitive and excited to fight again.
• He calls it a difficult comeback scenario where a loss would be especially costly.
• He closes by affirming enthusiasm for Canelo’s return bout.

Presenters or sources

• J Martinez (FireHood TV)
• Eddie Hearn