Dana White has never been shy about expressing his opinions about boxing. He has always said there have been some significant issues with the sport regarding making fights. Big news broke in boxing that Showtime would stop putting on regular contests. White spoke about Showtime, and his response prompted a war of words between himself and Stephen Espinoza.
Showtime Is Leaving Boxing
Showtime Boxing has been a prominent broadcaster in the United States for many years, after reports that the parent company of Showtime Paramount was not pleased with the numbers that the boxing broadcaster was producing it has been shut down. The company has promoted some big fighters, including Canelo and Floyd Mayweather. They have even worked with White when making the historic contest between Mayweather and Conor McGregor. It was a big shock that Showtime wouldn’t be sticking to their schedule past 2024, and it will shake up the broadcasting of boxing a lot.
Dana White On Showtime
When asked about Showtime leaving boxing, White had this to say when speaking after a Contenders Series press conference.
“That’s incredibly unfortunate,” the UFC president said with a smile, “The production of that show is fantastic.
“The guy who runs Showtime Boxing is a great human being. It’s unfortunate to hear this.”
After a brief pause, he then let his true feelings be known.
White added: “F*** Espinoza, and it’s about time that s***y product is off the air.”
White Vs Stephen Espinoza
Espinoza responded to those comments in a Canelo press conference.
“Not all combat sports are the same.”
“No disrespect to anyone, but there are levels to this.
“This event will generate a gate (money from ticket sales) of over $ 20 million. It is our third $ 20 million+ gate in the last six months.
“To put that in perspective – the UFC has never done a $ 20 million gate in its history.
“We’ve done it three times since April.”
These comments angered White, as he replied on his Instagram story.
“That’s exactly the type of response I would expect from that Weasel Espinoza,” White wrote.
“That scumbag has nothing to do with the success of Canelo, Ryan Garcia, and Terence Crawford.
“Those guys are megastars, and they are responsible for driving the gates in their fights.
“For him to even try and take any credit shows you precisely what an arrogant, delusional POS that guy is.
“For this clown to talk about ‘levels’ is hilarious. The production of the fights on Showtime is an embarrassment, and I have been saying that FOREVER.
“He is a little guy with a BIG yap and is a complete phoney.
“I’m not at all surprised this is the end for them. It should have come way sooner.
“Sorry to see you go, Weasel; enjoy your retirement.”
All quotes via talkSPORT
It’ll be interesting to see what the boxing landscape looks like now that Showtime has left.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
