Oscar De La Hoya has made it clear that the established forces in boxing are preparing their response to the growing influence of Zuffa Boxing - and the strategy is simple: work together.
Speaking after a difficult experience lobbying around the Ali Act, De La Hoya admitted defeat on that front but quickly shifted focus to what he believes is the sport’s strongest weapon against the new player backed by Dana White - co-promotion, like between Golden Boy and Premier Boxing Champions for the upcoming clash between David Benavidez and Gilberto Ramirez.
Zuffa, supported by Turki Alalshikh and a reported $100 million-per-year deal with Paramount+, has begun signing notable fighters and aims to reshape boxing’s structure. White has openly dismissed traditional promoters, suggesting his model could dominate the sport without relying on sanctioning bodies or outside collaboration.
In contrast, De La Hoya is embracing cooperation. With Golden Boy aligned alongside PBC, Top Rank, Matchroom, and Queensberry, he believes making major fights will become easier and more appealing for fighters. “We can all make fights together,” he said.
The shift is not without history. Rivalries between these promotional groups once ran deep, but recent joint events have proven both lucrative and effective. Now, with a new competitor entering aggressively, those same promoters are leaning into unity to retain control of top talent and deliver high-profile bouts.
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