Top Rank Boxing president makes opinion clear on UFC boss Dana White potentially venturing into boxing: "The business models are different"
Top Rank Boxing President Todd duBoef shared his thoughts on UFC CEO Dana White’s plans to enter the boxing world. White recently revealed his intentions to launch a new boxing promotion, with a 2025 debut on the horizon.
Despite his enthusiasm, duBoef pointed out that White’s UFC success doesn’t automatically translate to boxing. He explained that the business models of UFC and boxing are fundamentally different. Appearing in an interview with Ariel Helwani, duBoef said:
“I think they have an incredible machine in UFC. I think White bought an incredible product. And just because boxers get into a ring, and UFC guys get into a ring, the business dynamic is very different...I think the business models are different."
He also stressed that boxing requires significant investment in talent, with costs taking up a large portion of a promotion’s expenses. In contrast, UFC’s business model has a lower talent cost relative to revenue, allowing for larger marketing budgets.
Check out Todd duBoef's comments below:
Check out the full interview below:
Mike Tyson backs Dana White’s ambitious move into boxing
Mike Tyson has expressed strong support for UFC President Dana White’s plans to bring his expertise to the boxing world. In a recent interview on the It Is What It Is podcast, Tyson shared his enthusiasm for White’s vision, praising the UFC executive’s commitment to high-quality matchups and engaging events.
Tyson believes that White’s approach could breathe new life into boxing, which he says has been hampered by a lack of consistently exciting bouts.
Comparing White's influence in the UFC to what he could accomplish in boxing, Tyson highlighted White’s focus on maintaining a high entertainment standard:
"That's going to be the best thing to happen to boxing, just like UFC... If you're in UFC, and if anybody's booing the fight, you're not going to see that guy. His next fight is going to be in South Dakota somewhere. Only good fights. If you don't have a good fight, you ain't never going to see that guy again."
Check out Mike Tyson's comments below (32:11):