A recent report received some pushback after it looked to outline a new pay scale for athletes.
Dana White and Turki Alalshikh have joined forces in a move that will undoubtedly change boxing over the coming years.
Though we still don’t know what White’s exact plans are, we do know that he wants to make some significant changes to the way the sport is currently ran.
Teddy Atlas believes that an approach to constantly putting the best against the best is what boxing needs right now rather than it being a negative.
However, some scepticism was raised following a recent article from BoxingScene that claimed to have details from a contract that showed a purse structure system.
Turki Alalshikh issues fiery response to recent comments and criticism
Whilst the structure would point to the idea that Dana White wants to sign fighters with potential and turn them into stars rather than going for big names, which is something he has publicly stated, the report still generated some conversation and criticism.
There is still a long way to go until White and Turki Alalshikh put together a roster and announce their first card but this pay structure immediately earned comparisons to the UFC which was one of the worries that some fight fans had about this new league considering some of the complaints surrounding fighter pay in MMA.
In a response via The Ring Magazine, which he owns, Alalshikh claimed that what the BoxingScene article reported was incorrect.
Garry Jonas, who owns BoxingScene and ProBox TV, had been openly critical of Alalshikh and his impact on the sport during a recent appearance on the Raw Sport podcast a week ago.
The chairman of the General Entertainment Authority responded to both in the same post by questioning Jonas’ own business whilst disputing the recent reports regarding contracts.
“This article is not factually accurate. I think Garry Jonas should focus on his business in Florida because he doesn’t want the FTC to call him again. I am wondering what is the structure of his business model with the rehab facilities and boxing.”
Neither Dana White or Turki Alalshikh will be afraid to step on some toes
Whilst Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn has said that he believes Dana White getting involved in boxing is a positive for the sport, the move was never going to please everyone.
Both White and Turki Alalshikh are used to calling the shots so they aren’t going to be thwarted by a bit of pushback here and there.
We still need more details and to physically see it coming together to make a full judgment on this new boxing league and what role it will play in the sport.
One thing that is for certain is that neither White or Alalshikh are going to want to be the second best even if it means going toe-to-toe with some rivals.