Dana White delivered a sharp critique of boxing’s leadership following Zuffa Boxing’s latest event, saying many of the people running the sport have failed to address long-standing issues. White made the remarks during the post-fight press conference after Jai Opetaia defeated Brandon Glanton in the cruiserweight bout that headlined the card, winning a wide decision with scores of 119-106 on all three scorecards.
Questions about the IBF’s decision to withdraw recognition of Opetaia’s title defense during fight week prompted White’s comments. The sanctioning body had initially approved the bout before reversing course shortly before the event, leaving the IBF title off the line. White said the situation reflected deeper problems within the sport’s structure.
“This sport is broken for a reason,” White said during the press conference, adding that many of the people involved in running boxing are “bad at what they do.” He also noted that Opetaia had already paid the sanctioning fee before the IBF withdrew recognition of the bout.
White pointed to boxing’s fragmented structure as a key issue, highlighting the number of promoters and sanctioning bodies involved in the sport. According to him, the system creates complications that make organizing major bouts more difficult.
The IBF dispute marked one of the first conflicts between Zuffa Boxing and a traditional sanctioning body since the promotion entered the sport. White said his experience since launching the promotion has reinforced his belief that boxing needs structural change.
At the same press conference, White also outlined Zuffa Boxing’s recruitment strategy. He said the promotion plans to focus on signing fighters with the potential to become world champions as it continues expanding after staging its first four boxing events.
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