Dana White hits back at reports that he is launching boxing league with Turki Alalshikh
01/19/2025 06:45 AM
Dana White has long been vocal about his desire to enter the world of professional boxing promotion, with the UFC CEO currently helping to market undefeated superstar Callum Walsh.
Last week, reports began to emerge that Dana White was in advanced talks with Turki Alalshikh to start a new Saudi Boxing League following their collaboration on various UFC events in 2024.
Speaking at the UFC 311 post-fight press conference last night, White offered his thoughts as to the media speculation: with his prevailing sentiment being 'slow down and be patient'.
Dana White dismisses reports of boxing partnership with Turki Alalshikh
According to a widely circulated article in The New York Times, Alalshikh and Dana White are reportedly getting close to finalizing a deal to start a new Saudi Boxing League.
When asked about the article and the recent speculation at last night's press conference, the UFC CEO would dismiss those reports as more fiction than fact… At least, for now.
"Er, no – there are stories being written out there [about me and boxing], but no… I saw that article; I think that article was incredibly premature and if there was a deal done, then it would have been announced, and you would have had quotes from me.
"But there's no quotes from me, or the UFC, or anything."
There's also a rumor that The UFC Apex in Las Vegas, which is currently under renovation, could soon play host to White's boxing venture.
"I think that you could see a lot of things at The Apex after the expansion," responded White.
"The Apex is going to be bad*** when it's done – it's like a $26-30 million expansion so it's going to be very nice."
His statement comes on the heels of Turki Alalshikh stating that boxing needs to copy the UFC business model if it is to continue this recent upward trend; of which he has been the main financier.
"We must now have it be normal to lose some fights in boxing," he said in a recent interview.
"All the fighters want similar to the career of Floyd Mayweather – zero losses. This can happen one time every 50/60/70 years. We need like the UFC model now, where the champions are losing and winning."
Dana White brings boxing back to The Theater at MSG this March
Whilst White has thrown cold water over the Alalshikh partnership rumors, the UFC boss will be dipping his toes back into the boxing pool later this year when Callum Walsh returns to the ring.
White has been a mentor and unofficial promoter of the 12-0 Irish boxer for some time, with 'King' set to headline an upcoming show at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on March 16.
That event, which will also include a fight with a 150lb weight difference, will be available to watch via UFC Fight Pass.
Walsh is set to take on 19-1 Scotsman Dean Sutherland in the headlining attraction.
