White’s Boxing Project Gathers Momentum
UFC president Dana White is preparing to bring his long-discussed move into boxing to life in 2026. Zuffa Boxing, backed by White and Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, plans a full-scale launch next year following an initial showcase event in September. That debut featured Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford in Las Vegas, a bout widely praised as an instant classic and a signal of Zuffa’s ambitions in the sport.
White’s record in mixed martial arts remains central to the conversation. Under his leadership, the UFC grew from a fringe promotion into a global combat sports powerhouse. At the same time, White and the UFC have faced sustained criticism from fighters, analysts and former champions over how athletes share in the organisation’s revenues. That debate now appears to be following White into boxing.
Hearn Raises Concerns Over Pay and Protection
Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn claims early signs from Zuffa Boxing raise serious concerns about fighter compensation. Speaking to Boxing Social, Hearn said he recently learned of an offer Zuffa made to a boxer through a manager and described the figures as shocking. “I was with a manager the other day who told me about an offer that [Zuffa Boxing] made to one of their fighters,” Hearn said. “I couldn’t believe how bad the money was.”
Hearn also pushed back against any attempt to weaken existing legal safeguards. “I don’t see why there should be an alteration to the Ali Act,” he said. “The Act is designed to protect the fighters. Respect the fighters, protect the fighters. I’m not gonna get into a fight with Congress. I mean, they’re talking about [Dana White is] mates with Trump. What am I going to do?”
Power, Politics and Fighter Choice
Hearn suggested that political influence could smooth the path for regulatory changes, even if opposition exists. “Ultimately, if they want to get it through, they’re going to get it through, aren’t they?” he said. “But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know what they’re trying to do. And fighters know what they’re trying to do.”
Despite his criticism, Hearn acknowledged the realities facing boxers. He said fighters often accept difficult terms when opportunities arise, even if the structure works against them. “If there’s an opportunity for a fighter, they’ll take it,” he said, as debate over Zuffa Boxing’s model begins well ahead of its planned 2026 launch.
