Paddy Pimblett Rips Dana White-Eddie Hearn Fight Talk

Paddy Pimblett says talk of a Dana White-Eddie Hearn fight is "the stupidest thing I've ever heard," dismissing the idea as fans and media keep bringing it up around the build to Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua.

The UFC lightweight was asked directly whether Hearn could beat White if the two promotional rivals ever actually threw hands. His answer doubled as a verdict on the whole storyline.

"I think he would, personally, yeah," Pimblett told All Out Fighting. "I think he would, but people say all this and that, but they're never going to fight, so it's the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life. As if Dana White's going to have a fight with Eddie Hearn. It's like the daftest thing I've ever heard."

Why Pimblett Is Done With the White-Hearn Beef

Paddy Pimblett says the back-and-forth between Dana White and Eddie Hearn has become background noise that fans just have to tolerate until Fury vs. Joshua actually happens on Dec. 11. White has repeatedly claimed he will have real influence over the promotion of the fight, while Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, has pushed back and said White's role will be minimal once fight week arrives. Pimblett isn't buying the drama from either side.

"It's just stupid," Pimblett said. "It's just very childish, isn't it? But they're going to keep going back and forth, so we need to get used to it."

That exchange has followed the Fury-Joshua lead-up for weeks now, and Pimblett's comments suggest fans annoyed by it should expect no letup before the two heavyweights actually get in the ring.

Pimblett's Pick for Fury vs. Joshua

Paddy Pimblett says he now favors Anthony Joshua over Tyson Fury, a reversal from where he stood on the rivalry years ago. He pointed to Fury's inconsistent recent form and his history of stepping away from the sport as the deciding factor.

"If you would have asked me a few years ago, 10 years ago, I think I would have said Tyson Fury," Pimblett said. "But now, I think Anthony Joshua beats him. I think Fury hasn't looked great in last couple where he's took, like, five years out. You can't just take five years out in a fighting sport and think you're going to come back just as good. So, personally, now I think Anthony Joshua beats him."

Fury has retired from boxing twice in the last five years and his tune-up wins over Mariusz Wach and Arslanbek Makhmudov did little to settle questions about his sharpness. That track record is exactly the kind of thing bettors weigh when a fighter returns from long layoffs against a motivated, younger-performing opponent. Pimblett's read lines up with a broader skepticism that Fury can flip a switch after years of starts and stops, and it's the same concern that has kept this matchup competitive on the betting markets rather than a lopsided favorite situation. Fury vs. Joshua remains on track for Dec. 11, regardless of how much noise the White-Hearn sideshow generates between now and then.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Paddy Pimblett say about Dana White and Eddie Hearn fighting?

Paddy Pimblett called the idea of Dana White fighting Eddie Hearn 'the stupidest thing I've ever heard,' saying the two will never actually fight despite ongoing public friction.

Who does Paddy Pimblett think wins Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua?

Paddy Pimblett said he now picks Anthony Joshua to beat Tyson Fury, citing Fury's inconsistent recent form and his history of retiring and returning to the sport.

When is Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua?

Tyson Fury is scheduled to fight Anthony Joshua on Dec. 11, with promotional tension between Dana White and Eddie Hearn continuing in the lead-up.