Dan Hooker: Boxing Tournament Criticism Response
- UFC fighter Dan Hooker is facing backlash in New Zealand over his $50,000 winner-takes-all boxing tournament, "King of the Streets." The event, set to take place this Saturday,...
- Billy Meehan, president of the BCA, has strongly condemned the event, labeling it as "straight-out thuggery." Meehan voiced concerns that someone could be killed during the tournament, which...
- Hooker,currently recovering from a hand injury that sidelined him from a scheduled fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313,has defended his event.
Dan Hooker’s boxing tournament, “King of the Streets,” ignites controversy, drawing fire from the New Zealand Boxing Coaches Association, who have labeled it as “thuggery.” The event, featuring no weight limits and rapid-fire rounds, has sparked intense debate, with critics fearing for fighter safety. hooker, however, staunchly defends his $50,000 winner-takes-all competition, emphasizing fighter respect and the involvement of experienced combat sports professionals, supported by figures like Israel Adesanya. Find out why this is dividing the combat sports community, as Hooker responds to detractors. News Directory 3 has the scoop on the developing story. What does the future hold for “King of the Streets” and Hooker’s UFC career? Discover what’s next.
Dan Hooker’s Boxing Tournament Sparks Controversy in New Zealand
Updated may 29, 2025
UFC fighter Dan Hooker is facing backlash in New Zealand over his $50,000 winner-takes-all boxing tournament, ”King of the Streets.” The event, set to take place this Saturday, has drawn criticism from the New Zealand Boxing Coaches Association.
Billy Meehan, president of the BCA, has strongly condemned the event, labeling it as “straight-out thuggery.” Meehan voiced concerns that someone could be killed during the tournament, which features one-minute rounds and no weight limits. He urged police to shut it down.
Hooker,currently recovering from a hand injury that sidelined him from a scheduled fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313,has defended his event. He stated that the tournament is being run by experienced combat sports professionals and emphasizes the respect among fighters.
The “King of the Streets” event is endorsed by former UFC champion Israel Adesanya.Hooker joins other combat sports figures like Jorge Masvidal and Khabib Nurmagomedov who have ventured into fight promotion.
“Since when did putting on gloves, having a punchout with your mates become illegal? And it’s being run by some of the best combat sports people in the contry, when did that become illegal?”
Dan Hooker
Hooker’s last fight was a win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305. He has secured three consecutive victories, positioning himself as a top contender in the lightweight division.
What’s next
Footage from the ”King of the Streets” event will be released on social media this Saturday. Hooker’s return to the UFC remains uncertain as he recovers from his hand surgery.