Dana White predicted to face protests from furious UFC fighters ahead of new boxing league
UFC CEO Dana White's dream of starting his boxing promotion may face a huge problem in the future according to Oscar De La Hoya.
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Dana White gets warned by Oscar De La Hoya (via Imago/X)
Dana White has been the main man behind UFC’s success for over twenty years now. He successfully took the promotion from bankruptcy to become a multi-billion dollar company. Now, the 55 year old is focused on making his debut as a boxing promoter. The foundation has already been laid, but there could be some serious challenges going forward.
Recently, White collaborated with Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh and started his promotion, TKO boxing. According to reports, White along with WWE president Nick Khan, will take responsibility for its operations. Boxing legend and promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, recently commented on the situation, warning White of a potential problem.
We all want boxing to grow and get better and to make sure that the fighters are always paid well, that’s the most important thing about boxing. Unlike the UFC. It’s gonna be interesting to see how the UFC fighters are gonna react to when fighters are getting so much money in boxing and then Dana doesn’t pay the UFC fighters.
Oscar De La Hoya via Fight Hub TV
De La Hoya and White have an ongoing rivalry that stems from personal insults and business competition. De La Hoya has often criticized UFC fighter pay, while White mocked his boxing promotions and personal struggles. Their feud escalated with public jabs, including White calling the former champion a ‘cokehead’ and De La Hoya challenging him to fight.
Nevertheless, one of the biggest differences in boxing and UFC has always been ‘Fighter Pay.’ Top boxers earn extremely high in comparison to top fighters in the UFC. With few differences like Conor McGregor, fighter’s pay has always been an issue with the UFC. However, it seems like White is ready for all the challenges.
Dana White’s ultimate plan for his boxing promotion
Dana White has always been a big fan of boxing and used to follow the greats such as Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. Before leading the UFC, he used to manage boxers and has a background in the sport. After starting his tenure in the UFC, he was often seen criticizing boxing and its management.
The UFC boss has publicly mocked top promoters such as Bob Arum for ruining the sport and not giving back for its development. White never wanted to step into the boxing world, but ultimately has chosen to step into the sport he passionately likes. In a recent interview, he talked about his plans with TKO boxing.
Probably the best fighting the best. I want to break the sport and build it from the ground up, like we did with the UFC. I’m on a different path.
Dana White via Fight Hub TV
In this whole process, Turki Alalshikh has a big role and he has a strong relationship with White. White has praised Alalshikh’s efforts in revitalizing boxing through high-profile events in Saudi Arabia. Their relationship highlights a growing partnership between the UFC and Saudi sports investments, fostering collaboration between MMA and boxing on a global scale.
The difference between boxing and the UFC pay system
Boxing and MMA fighters’ pay structures differ significantly. Top boxers earn massive purses, often in the tens or even close to a hundred million. This is due to higher revenue sharing, individual fight promotions, and lucrative pay-per-view (PPV) deals. Stars like Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury can take home huge guarantees plus PPV percentages.
In contrast, UFC fighters, despite MMA’s popularity, earn less due to the UFC’s centralized pay model. The promotion takes a larger revenue share, limiting fighters’ earnings. While top MMA stars make millions, most UFC fighters earn far less than their boxing counterparts, sparking ongoing pay disputes.
Related: Dana White’s wife: Who is Anne White and how did she meet the UFC CEO?
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