Diehard fans still reminisce about the 1970s Bob Arum-Don King rivalry. As the boxing landscape evolved, the promoter vs. promoter feud went through a lull. Until a new player shook up the narrative. With his Zuffa Boxing, Dana White has jolted the traditional players. White and his team’s proposed Muhammad Ali Revival Act, which plans to introduce a few alterations to the original Ali Act, has set off alarms. Many blamed old-school promoters for putting their own interests above those of the fighters they represent. Now, they seem to voice their concerns about the move with measured caution.

Surprisingly, two of these voices, whose words now reverberate across the boxing world, had only a few months ago been at odds. But now they share a common foe. Eddie Hearn and Oscar De La Hoya appear increasingly aligned in what could become this century’s promoter vs. promoter clash. After going full blast against Dana White on Ariel Helwani’s show, Hearn aired his concerns on Seconds Out‘s Radio Rahim. This time, he also highlighted possible reasons behind White and his team’s push to introduce the Ali Revival Act.

Eddie Hearn: The hidden motive in Dana White’s latest move

To clarify, Eddie Hearn explained that his apprehensions weren’t mere ranting. There was sound logic behind his worries. “This Muhammad Ali Act — this is such a pivotal moment for the sport in terms of protecting fighters,” he said. Pointing at Oscar De La Hoya’s latest tirade, Hearn stated that the former champion’s concerns probably stemmed from his own experience as a fighter.

Now, the tables have turned: De La Hoya is a leading promoter. Yet, drawing from his experience, he empathizes with fighters. So, pointing his gun at the media, Hearn asked, “Where has there been any question from the media that says the TKO or Dana White? Can I ask you why you want to have the Muhammad Ali Act abolished, an act that is designed to protect the best interests of a fighter?”

And the Matchroom honcho answered as well. “Because the reality is they don’t want people to know how much money they’re making or taking right now,” he said. He explained that the UFC model itself works like a well-oiled machine. However, juxtaposed with boxing, it could potentially backfire.

Commonly called the ‘Ali Act,’ the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act does include a clause that requires promoters to disclose expected revenues.

The story from the other end

Though not limited to, it includes PPV projections, gate revenue, sponsorship deals, broadcast rights, and international distribution. On his Thursday Clap Back, Oscar De La Hoya was in no mood to hold back. Lashing out at the California State Athletic Commission, which had unanimously approved the TKO-backed revival act, he stated, “TKO has been begging for these changes so they can f**k fighters over with their new league.”

In situations like this, it’s important to hear both sides. Speaking about the Act with 3 Knockdown Rules‘ Mario Lopez and Steve Kim, Dana White was explicit: “Not one word is going to be changed. Not one thing. There’s just going to be an add-on to the Muhammad Ali Act. And you can; if you’re a fighter, you can stay exactly the way it is now, or you can bet on me and come and fight in our organization, and you know, there’s going to be plenty of options.”

The proposed changes still have a long way to go before becoming law. Fans should expect more back-and-forth in this renewed promoter vs. promoter battle.

What’s your take on Eddie Hearn’s views?