rockzavin
Super Moderator
- May 16, 2024
- 323
- 27
Dana White is a perennial powerhouse in combat sports. His success spawned mixed martial arts (MMA). His ability to make the UFC a global powerhouse makes him one of the biggest promoters in the business.
Now, in conjunction with Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh and the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s Sela subsidiary, TKO Group Holdings has officially announced that it will enter boxing through a new league. Although the league has yet to be named, its launch marks a significant moment in boxing history.
Having spent decades growing the UFC, White is bringing his expertise to boxing to make the sport more structured and lucrative for both fighters and promoters. His primary focus is fixing major flaws in boxing’s business model, particularly regarding fighter compensation, event production, and marketing.
UFC, WWE, and PBR holding company TKO said it would reveal more details later, including the location of the league's first event. White has suggested the league will have world titles. Yet, he also said the development of young talent would be the main focus—not immediate competition with established boxing promotions.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the fight industry, sparking discussions about how it could reshape boxing. Fans can expect the events to begin in 2026, though speculation remains about whether the league could debut as early as late 2024. TKO is currently evaluating a pool of around 150 boxers to determine whom it wants to sign.
White has indicated that the league will be built from the ground up, initially focusing on rising fighters rather than established superstars.
With its reputation for innovation, fighter-centric business models, and aggressive promotional strategies, many believe this league will challenge the traditional norms of boxing promotions. The question remains: Can Dana White do for boxing what he did for MMA?
Unlike traditional boxing promotions, which often use individual promoters and networks to book fights, White's league will follow a centralized model like the UFC. TIt will facilitate regular matchmaking and regulated competition. TKO will take over the operation of some of Saudi Arabia’s major boxing events, including the potential super-fight between Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Terence Crawford in September in Las Vegas.
Fighter contracts also differ wildly. Boxers in White's league might have contracts that guarantee several fights under a standard pay model instead of one-off fight deals. Pay-per-view and broadcasting rights will be another big shift, and White will tap into streaming services and major media partnerships to broaden the sport's audience.
However, not everyone is on board. Some existing boxing promoters have expressed skepticism, viewing White as an outsider trying to disrupt a long-established system. Eddie Hearn, one of the largest boxing promoters worldwide, disagrees with White’s claim that boxing is broken.
"I think it's great for boxing," Hearn said on the 5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce podcast. "One thing I disagree with is boxing's not broken. Boxing is in a great place. It always has been. There are always ways we can improve it, but the fact those guys want to come into boxing shows where it's at."
This league could represent a significant shift for the combat sports industry as a whole. If successful, it may pressure existing boxing organizations to follow their models to remain competitive. MMA fighters, too, may see more crossover opportunities as White bridges the gap between the two sports.
Media outlets and combat sports analysts have followed this league closely. Some want to see how White will handle his first big event, a crucial test of the league's viability. High expectations mean the first fight card will have to deliver some eye-catching matchups.
Marketing will also play a crucial role. White has helped the UFC promote fights and build fighter storylines. He could apply the same promotional strategies to boxing and spark renewed interest in the sport by mainstream fans.
Another obstacle is resistance from established promoters. Top Rank, Matchroom Boxing, and Premier Boxing Champions may see White as a challenge to their control of the industry. Top talent will be fiercely competed for as these promoters try to keep their starfighters.
White will also have trouble juggling UFC obligations with this new league. He still targets the UFC, and managing two major combat sports organizations could be tricky. A split in his focus could hurt the new boxing league.
In the long term, this league could influence how all boxing promotions operate. If White’s model proves financially and structurally superior, other promoters may adopt similar practices. As a result, the entire landscape of combat sports may shift, with potential cross-promotional events between boxing and MMA becoming more common.
Now, in conjunction with Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh and the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s Sela subsidiary, TKO Group Holdings has officially announced that it will enter boxing through a new league. Although the league has yet to be named, its launch marks a significant moment in boxing history.
Dana White’s Vision for Boxing
Dana White never hesitates to criticize boxing. He has called it outdated, disorganized, plagued by unfair fighter pay and questionable business practices, and often complains about the way promoters structure fights, choose champions, and how politics take precedence over the sport itself.Having spent decades growing the UFC, White is bringing his expertise to boxing to make the sport more structured and lucrative for both fighters and promoters. His primary focus is fixing major flaws in boxing’s business model, particularly regarding fighter compensation, event production, and marketing.
UFC, WWE, and PBR holding company TKO said it would reveal more details later, including the location of the league's first event. White has suggested the league will have world titles. Yet, he also said the development of young talent would be the main focus—not immediate competition with established boxing promotions.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the fight industry, sparking discussions about how it could reshape boxing. Fans can expect the events to begin in 2026, though speculation remains about whether the league could debut as early as late 2024. TKO is currently evaluating a pool of around 150 boxers to determine whom it wants to sign.
White has indicated that the league will be built from the ground up, initially focusing on rising fighters rather than established superstars.
With its reputation for innovation, fighter-centric business models, and aggressive promotional strategies, many believe this league will challenge the traditional norms of boxing promotions. The question remains: Can Dana White do for boxing what he did for MMA?
How This League Differs from Traditional Boxing Promotions
Conventional boxing organizations operate in a fragmented system with several governing bodies controlling different championships. Fighters experience inconsistent pay structures, promotional disputes, and contract negotiations. But White wanted a more structured league.Unlike traditional boxing promotions, which often use individual promoters and networks to book fights, White's league will follow a centralized model like the UFC. TIt will facilitate regular matchmaking and regulated competition. TKO will take over the operation of some of Saudi Arabia’s major boxing events, including the potential super-fight between Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Terence Crawford in September in Las Vegas.
Fighter contracts also differ wildly. Boxers in White's league might have contracts that guarantee several fights under a standard pay model instead of one-off fight deals. Pay-per-view and broadcasting rights will be another big shift, and White will tap into streaming services and major media partnerships to broaden the sport's audience.
Impact on Fighters and the Combat Sports Industry
The launch of this league presents new opportunities for established and rising boxing talent. Fighters who have struggled with inconsistent pay, lack of promotional support, or contract disputes may find White’s approach appealing. The promise of better compensation and marketing opportunities could attract some of the sport's biggest names.However, not everyone is on board. Some existing boxing promoters have expressed skepticism, viewing White as an outsider trying to disrupt a long-established system. Eddie Hearn, one of the largest boxing promoters worldwide, disagrees with White’s claim that boxing is broken.
"I think it's great for boxing," Hearn said on the 5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce podcast. "One thing I disagree with is boxing's not broken. Boxing is in a great place. It always has been. There are always ways we can improve it, but the fact those guys want to come into boxing shows where it's at."
This league could represent a significant shift for the combat sports industry as a whole. If successful, it may pressure existing boxing organizations to follow their models to remain competitive. MMA fighters, too, may see more crossover opportunities as White bridges the gap between the two sports.
How Fans and Media Are Reacting
After White announced his move, fans discussed the league on social media. Fanatics are excited but skeptical. Some supporters think White's leadership will give boxing some needed organization and transparency, while critics worry the UFC model will translate to boxing.Media outlets and combat sports analysts have followed this league closely. Some want to see how White will handle his first big event, a crucial test of the league's viability. High expectations mean the first fight card will have to deliver some eye-catching matchups.
Marketing will also play a crucial role. White has helped the UFC promote fights and build fighter storylines. He could apply the same promotional strategies to boxing and spark renewed interest in the sport by mainstream fans.
Possible Challenges and Controversies
The league may be exciting but could struggle with some issues. Regulatory issues will be a big obstacle. Boxing has several sanctioning bodies with rules and rankings. White will need to negotiate those pitfalls to establish legitimacy for his league.Another obstacle is resistance from established promoters. Top Rank, Matchroom Boxing, and Premier Boxing Champions may see White as a challenge to their control of the industry. Top talent will be fiercely competed for as these promoters try to keep their starfighters.
White will also have trouble juggling UFC obligations with this new league. He still targets the UFC, and managing two major combat sports organizations could be tricky. A split in his focus could hurt the new boxing league.
The Future of Boxing Under Dana White
If White’s league succeeds, it could mark a turning point in boxing history. A structured, well-promoted league with competitive fighter pay and a clear ranking system could elevate the sport to new heights. Fans could benefit from more exciting matchups, fewer promotional disputes, and a more engaging viewing experience.In the long term, this league could influence how all boxing promotions operate. If White’s model proves financially and structurally superior, other promoters may adopt similar practices. As a result, the entire landscape of combat sports may shift, with potential cross-promotional events between boxing and MMA becoming more common.
