“So Tank would get $20k?” – Insider news on Dana White boxing league’s pay structure sends shock to boxing fans 

New reports about the pay structure of UFC CEO Dana White's new boxing league get criticized by fight fans.

“So Tank would get $20k?” – Insider news on Dana White boxing league’s pay structure sends shock to boxing fans 

Dana White's TKO boxing pay structure (via Imago)

UFC CEO Dana White has finally stepped into the world of boxing with the inauguration of TKO Boxing. It is a collaborative effort from White and Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh along with other members of UFC’s parent company. While White has some great plans with his promotion, new updates have created doubts among fight fans. 

White has talked about rebuilding boxing from ground zero and giving it better structure, something similar to the UFC. The league minimizes boxing’s numerous weight classes and keeps the major ones. It also plans to keep a single title per division, unlike the traditional sanctioning bodies such as WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO.

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On top of that, recent updates from Boxing Scene suggest that the pay structure of TKO boxing has been established. The reports showed that unranked fighters would be paid $20,000 for participating in a 10-round fight. Fighters ranked between 5 to 10, will get $50,000 to show up. The purse then goes up to  $125,000 for #3 and #4 ranked fighters. 

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Top challengers competing for the title will get $375,000 and the champion will earn $750,000 for putting his title on the line. White, who hated the boxing system for years, wants to bring in major changes for the betterment of the sport. The organization is motivated to sign young talents from all over the world and make the best fights. 

Boxing fans react to TKO pay structure 

After Dana White entered the boxing scene, he was welcomed with warm hands by various other top promoters. Eddie Hearn doesn’t have any problem with the new developments and believes Matchroom will continue their business as it is. Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the WBC, has also shown support for the new venture, emphasizing the importance of promoting the sport. 

Dana White's gets roasted for new pay structure
Dana White’s gets roasted for new pay structure (via X)

However, boxing superstars like Ryan Garcia have shown concerns about the pay structure. According to the boxer, White cannot give them the same money as MMA fighters which will not attract top stars. Nevertheless, here are some reactions to TKO’s viral pay structure.

As expected, many fans showed skepticism around the pay structure saying that it is too low for boxing. Many commented that this fight purse won’t attract any fighters to sign which will ultimately end the promotion. However, there were few positive insights, from users who think that this could help smaller fighters.

Fighter’s pay issue in Dana White’s UFC 

The UFC fighter pay controversy has been a long-standing issue in the promotion. It revolves around revenue distribution, restrictive contracts, and the lack of collective bargaining for athletes. Fighters receive around 16-20% of UFC revenue, far less than NBA and NFL players. Many believe the risk and dedication involved in MMA deserve better compensation. 

UFC dispute regarding fighter's pay
UFC dispute regarding fighter’s pay (via DAZN/Forbes)

The absence of a fighters’ union limits their ability to negotiate fair contracts and financial security. UFC contracts often restrict fighters from seeking better sponsorship deals outside the promotion. Dana White defends UFC pay, arguing fighters earn fairly based on performance and popularity. Some top fighters receive bonuses, pay-per-view points, and sponsorships. 

However, lower-tier fighters struggle financially despite competing at the highest level. Top fighters such as Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones have publicly criticized UFC contracts and earnings. Ngannou left the UFC due to disputes over pay and contract freedom. Till now, the fighter pay debates continue as the sport grows worldwide, demanding potential reforms.

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