Tony Bellew Manufacturers Dana White ‘an Embarrassment’ Over Zuffa Boxing Considerations
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The former WBC cruiserweight world champion expressed considerations about White’s understanding of boxing, suggesting that have in combined martial arts doesn’t robotically translate to success inside boxing’s established construction.
“Dana White’s an embarrassment from a boxing perspective,” stated Bellew to Fight Your Conner and Stomping Ground.
“When somebody can converse boxing language, it’s like talking a overseas language, isn’t it? You know right away if somebody can converse it.
“When you can’t talk about the whole card you’ve put on, that’s dangerous. If you can’t name the whole card and all your fighters, you’re in the wrong sport.”
White formally launched Zuffa Boxing in 2025 below the TKO Group banner in partnership with Saudi-backed Sela.
Following the promotion of the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford occasion in September 2025, Zuffa Boxing expanded right into a extra constant schedule of exhibits in early 2026.
Despite his criticism, Bellew was fast to acknowledge White’s achievements with the UFC.
“I’m saying that about a man who I’ve got huge amounts of respect for and admire what he’s done and what he’s built with the UFC because I’m a UFC fan,” stated Bellew.
“I have so much admiration.”
White has beforehand outlined ambitions to introduce components of the UFC mannequin into boxing, together with a extra structured promotional system and a constant calendar of occasions designed to construct fighters into recognizable stars.
However, Bellew believes boxing’s conventional construction makes that strategy problematic, notably the place fighters are involved.
“I care in regards to the fighters and what they’re doing to fighters. And what they’re aspiring to do to fighters is incorrect in each manner attainable.
“The most important thing they don’t care about is the fighters,” stated Bellew.
Zuffa Boxing promoted the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford occasion in September 2025 earlier than increasing right into a broader slate of exhibits all through 2026. The firm has since continued to develop its roster whereas rising the frequency of its occasions within the United States and internationally.
Robert Segal is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24 with greater than a decade of expertise overlaying combat information, previews, and evaluation. Known for his simple reporting and ringside perspective, he delivers authoritative protection of champions, contenders, and rising expertise worldwide.
