Dana White enters boxing: an army of 70 fighters and a decades-long challenge against the old guard
White ambition goes beyond boxing: “I compete with the NFL, I compete with the NBA, I compete with the major film studios. He stated, “I consider anything that grabs Saturday night attention my competition,” hinting that he aims to dominate audience attention and redefine sports entertainment.
However, Zuffa Boxing faces legal and financial hurdles, including the still-pending Muhammad Ali American Boxing Reauthorization Act, which could determine how the new league operates.
The challenge of the old guard
Dana White does not underestimate his competitors. Names like Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing and Frank Warren of Queensberry have spent decades building promoter networks, guaranteeing huge purses for their fighters.
White acknowledges his respect for them, but his message is clear: he plans to compete directly, adapting UFC tactics to attract talent and create a show that captures the masses’ attention. “We’ll all have to compete and be better than the rest to get the best talent,” he affirmed.
Although some boxers may not see immediate benefits by joining Zuffa Boxing. Dana White emphasizes that his goal is to build a disruptive business model capable of challenging both historic promoters and other sports leagues.
Eddie Hearn and traditional boxing resistance
Eddie Hearn, one of boxing’s global heavyweights, responded cautiously. In March, he stated: “I think it’s fantastic for boxing, but I don’t agree that it’s broken. There are always ways to improve it, but the UFC model won’t work as-is in boxing.”
Hearn criticism reflects the natural resistance of a sport with centuries of history to the entrance of a disruptor like Dana White. Ready to challenge rules, contracts, and the traditional business structure.
