Dan Hooker backyard fight events

The story so far

Billy Meehan, president of the New Zealand Boxing Coaches Association, criticised the 'King of the Streets' amateur tournament as thuggery before it took place.^{20 May 2025} The event, promoted by UFC fighter Dan Hooker, featured 32 amateur fighters competing for a $50,000 prize, and was linked to an online gambling site and social media influencers.^{20 May 2025} Police tried to contact the organisers ahead of the planned Auckland event.^{24 May 2025} The tournament was held at Hooker's Auckland home, and he said professional referees and medical staff were present.^{30 May 2025} After the backlash, Hooker said he planned to stage more backyard fights.^{30 May 2025}

Latest

Hooker has announced an all-female backyard tournament with 32 invited competitors and a $50,000 prize.^{18 Jun 2025} The stories do not give a date for this women's event.^{18 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 20 May 2025Coaches association president calls the upcoming tournament thuggery.
2. 24 May 2025Police seek to contact the event's organisers before the Auckland fight.
3. 30 May 2025Hooker says referees and medical staff were present; plans more backyard fights.
4. 18 Jun 2025Hooker announces an all-female backyard tournament with a $50,000 prize.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.