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 typically highlighted his gripes with boxing and the best way he noticed the game run.
In 2024, White may be breaking out the shirt once more, even when there are just a few 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’m going, ‘Am I out of my f*cking thoughts?’” White informed reporters, together with MMA Junkie, after Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Collection 73. “It’s simply… However I believe clearly now’s the time, or I might’ve carried out 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. Every little thing is about timing. Is now the time? We’re going to search 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 mentioned. “I’m going to implement that plan and we’ll see how that works. … Individuals have been speaking in regards to 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 concept of how I assumed it ought to be carried out. I don’t know if that’s doable, however we’re going to search 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 in regards to the demise of boxing for 30 years, and we’re nonetheless speaking about boxing proper now. I’ve at all times had an concept of the way it ought to be carried out.” pic.twitter.com/fvojqJgq0o
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) September 25, 2024
Whereas he’s labored intently with promoter Tom Loeffler for Walsh’s fights, White indicated he’d be open to working with different promoters – or at the very least 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 possibly can assume the individuals I might not be working with,” White added. “I don’t suppose you need to be a f*cking genius to determine that one out.”
White mentioned he’d hold the athletes separate and sounded disgusted on the concept of UFC fighters taking boxing matches between fights.
“God, I hope not,” White mentioned.
As to what he’ll carry to the desk as “the HBO,” White mentioned sure facets of the UFC that he’s discovered to achieve success he’ll attempt to mirror.
“There’s 1,000,000 the explanation why now’s (the time),” White mentioned. “If you happen to discover so far as boxing, whilst a lot cash as Sheikh Turki is throwing into this factor, tv offers aren’t actually considerable proper now. There are only a lot of issues I believe I can do this different individuals haven’t carried out 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 quicker.”
One of many predominant 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 finest fighters is unfold amongst dozens of promoters.
White was requested if he’ll attempt to configure an analogous situation in boxing as he did in MMA, the place many prime fighters are below contract, making it simpler to make massive fights. In response, White merely mentioned he thinks the UFC recipe is a working one.
“Effectively, it’s not like that hasn’t been carried out earlier than (in boxing),” White mentioned. “There have been dominant promoters earlier than which have had many of the expertise locked up. However hear, I believe when you requested anyone and even when 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 apart from Walsh that he’ll work with.
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