LAS VEGAS – In 2017, Dana White printed a Zuffa Boxing t-shirt and teased his entry into the world of boxing, however public promotion of the enterprise slowly fizzled out and the shirt could have rotated to the underside of the drawer.
Within the years that adopted when requested about crossover, White usually highlighted his gripes with boxing and the best way he noticed the game run.
In 2024, White could be breaking out the shirt once more, even when there are a couple of wrinkles on it.
Closely concerned as “the HBO” (as he calls himself) of rising younger Irish boxer Callum Walsh, White definitively declared, “I’m in,” throughout a pre-fight Q&A on Thursday in Dublin.
“Each time I get on the cellphone with these guys, I am going, ‘Am I out of my f*cking thoughts?’” White advised reporters, together with MMA Junkie, after Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Collection 73. “It’s simply… However I feel clearly now could be the time, or I’d’ve completed it (in 2017). I used to be kicking round. I used to be even speaking about Anthony Joshua at one time and stuff like that. I’m glad I pumped the brakes and we waited. All the pieces is about timing. Is now the time? We’re going to seek out out.”
Many specifics White saved near his chest. There was not detailing of the “who,” “when,” and “the place.” However the UFC CEO shed a bit extra gentle on the “what” and the “how” as he spoke to reporters on the UFC Apex.
“I’ve a plan,” White stated. “I’m going to implement that plan and we’ll see how that works. … Individuals have been speaking concerning the demise of boxing for 30 years and we’re nonetheless right here speaking about boxing proper now. I’ve at all times had an thought of how I assumed it must be completed. I don’t know if that’s doable, however we’re going to seek out out. I’m coming in weapons blazing.”
Dana White is “coming in weapons blazing” to the world of boxing promotion.
“Individuals have been speaking concerning the demise of boxing for 30 years, and we’re nonetheless speaking about boxing proper now. I’ve at all times had an thought of the way it must be completed.” pic.twitter.com/fvojqJgq0o
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) September 25, 2024
Whereas he’s labored carefully with promoter Tom Loeffler for Walsh’s fights, White indicated he’d be open to working with different promoters – or not less than he ones he likes – whether or not that be Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, or Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren, or another person.
“I’m certain you’ll be able to assume the individuals I’d not be working with,” White added. “I don’t assume you need to be a f*cking genius to determine that one out.”
White stated he’d maintain the athletes separate and sounded disgusted on the thought of UFC fighters taking boxing matches between fights.
“God, I hope not,” White stated.
As to what he’ll deliver to the desk as “the HBO,” White stated sure features of the UFC that he’s discovered to achieve success he’ll attempt to mirror.
“There’s 1,000,000 the explanation why now could be (the time),” White stated. “In the event you discover so far as boxing, at the same time as a lot cash as Sheikh Turki is throwing into this factor, tv offers aren’t actually plentiful proper now. There are only a lot of issues I feel I can try this different individuals haven’t completed but.
“… There may be clearly a variety of work to do, however what did you discover about (the current Callum Walsh occasion)? How briskly the fights went? No f*cking podcast between fights. Yeah. So sure, the fights will transfer sooner.”
One of many fundamental variations (along with pay construction) between boxing and MMA is promotional competitors. Whereas UFC opponents exist, a overwhelming majority of prime MMA expertise exists within the promotion. In boxing, the crop of the world’s greatest fighters is unfold amongst dozens of promoters.
White was requested if he’ll attempt to configure an identical state of affairs in boxing as he did in MMA, the place many prime fighters are beneath contract, making it simpler to make huge fights. In response, White merely stated he thinks the UFC recipe is a working one.
“Effectively, it’s not like that hasn’t been completed earlier than (in boxing),” White stated. “There have been dominant promoters earlier than which have had a lot of the expertise locked up. However hear, I feel in the event you requested anyone and even in the event you requested yourselves, the UFC mannequin works. It really works.’”
White pointed to 2025 as to when extra particulars of his delve into boxing will floor, together with what athletes in addition to Walsh that he’ll work with.
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