Dana White has long spoken about his desire to enter the world of professional boxing promotion, with the UFC CEO currently helping to market undefeated superstar Callum Walsh.
Last week, reports began to emerge that Dana White was in advanced talks with Turki Alalshikh to start a new Saudi Boxing League following their partnership on several UFC events in 2024.
Speaking at the UFC 311 post-fight press conference last night, White gave his thoughts on the media speculation: his overriding sentiment was “slow down and be patient.”
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Dana White dismisses reports of boxing partnership with Turki Alalshikh
According to a widely circulated article in The New York Times, Alalshikh and Dana White are reportedly close to finalizing a deal to form a new Saudi Boxing League.
When asked about the article and recent speculation during last night's press conference, the UFC CEO would dismiss these reports as more fiction than fact… At least, for now.
“Um, no – stories are being written [about me and boxing]but no… I saw that article; I think that article was incredibly premature and if a deal had been made it would have been announced and you would have had quotes from me.
“But there are no quotes from me, or from the UFC, or anything like that.”
There is also a rumor that the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, which is currently under renovation, could soon play host to White's boxing venture.
“I think you could see a lot of things in The Apex after the expansion,” White responded.
“The Apex will be bad*** when it's done – it's a $26-30 million expansion, so it'll be a lot of fun.”
His statement follows Turki Alalshikh stating that boxing must copy the UFC business model if it wants to continue this recent upward trend; of which he has been the main financier.
“We now have to make sure that it is normal to lose some fights in boxing,” he said in a recent interview.
“All fighters want to be similar to Floyd Mayweather's career: zero losses. This can happen once every 50/60/70 years. We need the UFC model now, where the champions lose and win.”
Dana White brings boxing back to The Theater at MSG this March
While White has poured cold water on the Alalshikh partnership rumors, the UFC boss will dip his toes into the boxing pool again later this year when Callum Walsh returns to the ring.
White has been a longtime mentor and unofficial promoter for the 12-0 Irish boxer, with “King” set to headline an upcoming show at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on March 16.
That event, which also includes a 150-pound weight differential fight, will be available to watch via UFC Fight Pass.
Walsh will face 19-1 Scot Dean Sutherland in the headline attraction.
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