Tom Aspinall has shut down speculation about a move to boxing, making clear that despite his relationship with promoter Eddie Hearn, his focus remains entirely on the UFC and his eventual return to the heavyweight division.
Aspinall addressed the boxing rumors during a training trip to Croatia, where he works with former WBA light heavyweight champion Stipe Drviš. Despite the natural assumption that a connection to one of boxing’s most prominent promoters signals a potential crossover, Aspinall’s answer left little room for ambiguity.
“Maybe,” Aspinall said when asked if Drviš could help him transition to boxing, before clarifying his actual position. “To be honest, I ain’t thinking about boxing that much right now. No. I’ve got more stuff to do with the UFC.”
Aspinall has been out of action since October 2025, when his first title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 ended in a no-contest after he was poked in both eyes during the fight. He subsequently underwent double eye surgery in February 2026 to address the injuries. Recent social media posts have shown him back in the gym, though he confirmed he is not back training fully yet.
Drviš, who holds a 32-2 boxing record, joined Aspinall’s coaching staff last year with a specific focus on enhancing his striking for MMA competition rather than preparing him for a boxing career. The Croatian boxing legend’s role is focused on making Aspinall a better UFC fighter, not on building a second career in the squared circle.
In Aspinall’s absence, the UFC has created an interim heavyweight title, with Alex Pereira and Gane scheduled to fight for the belt at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. Aspinall is expected to unify the division by facing the winner of that bout later this year if his recovery continues on its current trajectory.