UFC CEO Dana White is venturing into the boxing world, collaborating with Turki Alalshikh to create a new league focused on nurturing future boxing stars. This move has stirred controversy among boxing promoters, including Oscar De La Hoya, reigniting their long-standing feud. De La Hoya criticized White for fighter pay discrepancies and highlighted past conflicts involving White’s personal life. Despite this public clash, De La Hoya expressed openness to future collaborations.
The critique extends beyond financial matters, questioning White's business acumen and referencing failed projects. Additionally, De La Hoya brings up sensitive personal issues regarding White's family relationships, adding fuel to the fire. Meanwhile, Dana White's reluctance to collaborate with De La Hoya in the past reveals underlying tensions that may complicate any potential partnership moving forward.
Oscar De La Hoya has voiced strong opinions about Dana White's approach to fighter compensation and business strategies in the emerging boxing league. He argues that fighters will not accept low pay rates, especially when facing tough opponents frequently. Furthermore, De La Hoya points out that top-tier boxers like Canelo Alvarez and Ryan Garcia are unlikely to agree to significant pay cuts. The disparity between UFC fighters' earnings and those proposed by White could lead to dissatisfaction within both communities.
In his social media rant, De La Hoya elaborates on leaked salary figures, suggesting they reveal insufficient rewards for athletes risking their health. He predicts short-lived careers for many participants due to demanding schedules and minimal remuneration. Moreover, De La Hoya questions White's ability to sustain successful ventures without substantial financial backing or strategic planning. By referencing past failures such as "The Ultimate Surfer" and "Power Slap," he underscores concerns about White's reliability as a business partner. This critique paints a picture of a flawed system where talent might be undervalued and exploited.
Beyond professional disagreements, De La Hoya delves into Dana White's personal life, bringing attention to controversial incidents and familial discord. He mentions White's alleged physical altercation with his wife and highlights a book written by White's mother criticizing her son's character. These remarks aim to tarnish White's reputation further and question his integrity as a leader. Despite these harsh words, De La Hoya remains open to working together under the right circumstances, acknowledging the prevalence of questionable ethics in the boxing industry.
This willingness to collaborate despite mutual disdain reflects the complex dynamics within the sports world, where alliances can form based on mutual benefit rather than personal rapport. However, it seems unlikely that White would reciprocate this sentiment given their history. The tension between them stems from unresolved issues, including past refusals to cooperate on projects like Georges St-Pierre's potential bout against De La Hoya. Such instances highlight how personal animosities can overshadow professional opportunities, creating barriers that may hinder progress in the boxing landscape. As White continues building his new league, navigating these interpersonal challenges will be crucial for its success.