It has been no secret that in recent times Dana White has been looking to dip his toes into boxing. This has become apparent with his recent involvement with Turki Alalshikh a man who has become familiar to everyone in boxing. Very recently, Alalshikh and Dana proposed a model of pay similar to the UFC. This was promptly ridiculed by boxing fans and boxers alike and has seemingly faded into the distance. However, it is clear that Dana White, as well as TKO, have taken an interest in boxing. This has now become more apparent by a very concerning quote from Michael Mazzulli the current president of the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports. Mazulli said, “Presently the UFC/TKO is requesting an amendment change to the Mohammad Ali Act. The board of directors is working with them to make sure the ABC is still part of the federal law.”
Implications By The UFC
The UFC and TKO being interested in changing such an important piece of legislation is a huge deal. In short, the Ali Act as it’s known aims to protect professional boxers in America from exploitation by promoters by regulating promoters and sanctioning bodies. A key part of the act is that it separates the role of promoter and manager and is a big reason why boxing has largely hasn’t been monopolised.
This is what makes TKOs interest quite alarming as this is a major piece of protective legislation. What makes it more concerning is specifically TKO and Dana White being the ones interested. The UFC is notorious for it’s monopoly on MMA and being able to strongarm MMA fighters with pay, contracts, etc. So any change that is being desired could be very much something to allow tighter control on boxers.
That, coupled with Turki Alalshikh’s attempts to centralise boxing, are causes for concern. Although Alalshikh is undoubtedly having a positive impact on boxing and getting fights made, it is slightly sinister. There are little things such as everyone calling him “his excellency”, cosying up to Dana White, implementing his own undisputed belt, and buying The Ring Magazine. This all speaks to potentially monopolising boxing, which is a clear negative for fighters, at least financially.
Of course, it’s not all negative centralising boxing has been beneficial to the sport. However, the concern is going too far with it and monopolisation and with TKOs involvement it is concerning. We shall see what changes TKO and UFC specifically want at a later date and if they end up happening.
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