Aspinall is one of the most underpaid athletes in professional
sports.
Hearn is the former manager of boxer Conor Benn, who was recently
poached by Zuffa Boxing, which the
UFC’s parent company owns. Benn signed a $15 million contract,
sparking dissent among UFC fighters. When Hearn criticized the
signing, Dana White said that the Matchroom Boxing chairman should
instead be happy for Benn earning as much as he can.
Hearn now looks to give White a taste of his own medicine. Hearn
recently started managing UFC heavyweight champion. Hearn called
for Aspinall’s release from the UFC, although it didn’t seem very
sincere. Hearn guarantees he can arrange for Aspinall to be paid
three times what he is earning in the UFC. Hearn notes that
according to White’s own ideology, he should be happy for Aspinall
to be earning as much as possible. Doubling down on his criticism
of Aspinall’s contract, Hearn says “Honey Badger” is one of the
most underpaid athletes across all sports.
‘Grossly Underpaid’
“I would like Dana White to release Tom
Aspinall from his UFC contract,” Hearn told iFL TV. “I will
guarantee Dana that I will pay Tom
Aspinall probably five times more, but a minimum of three times
more what Dana White is paying him… Dana White should be happy for
Tom
Aspinall to receive that deal. Dana White should be happy for
Aspinall, who is extremely unhappy, and release him from his
obligations with the UFC and allow him to go out and make
considerably more for himself and his family… Unfortunately for
him, he has signed a contract which is one of the worst, most
grossly underpaid athletes I have ever seen in the commercial world
of sports… It’s absolutely disgusting what they’re paying him.
Things need to change.”
Aspinall’s (15-3) first title defense against Ciryl Gane
ended in a no contest last October after Gane poked him in both
eyes in the first round. However, White seemed disappointed with
Aspinall for choosing not to continue with compromised vision.
Aspinall has since had a minor falling out with the UFC, following
which he signed with the management of Hearn.