David Benavidez knows a thing or two about boxing. After all, he is the undisputed world light heavyweight champion, holding both the World Boxing Associationa nd the World Boxing Council belts. So when he had some advise for UFC CEO Dana White, it was well worth a listen.
After White’s unexpected removal as promoter for the upcoming Canelo Alvarez versus Terence Crawford clash, the world champion has warned the UFC boss that he should learn about the murky depths of the boxing world, if he wishes to survive in the squared circle..
White, the long-time UFC leader, had linked up with Saudi Royal adviser Turki Alalshikh and WWE leader Nick Khan earlier this year. The trio spearheaded TKO Boxing for its debut later this year with the megafight in Las Vegas.
Initially, White confirmed he would be promoting the September super fight between Canelo and Crawford. However, he voiced his concerns regarding the event’s setting in the open at the Allegiant Stadium.
Subsequently, White was ditched from the project, with Saudi entertainment and hospitality group Sela confirmed as the official promoter of the card by Alalshikh, who is the head of the desert kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority.
TKO will take years to get off the ground
Voicing his concerns about fighting in the Middle East, WBA light heavyweight kingpin Benavidez claimed White would be wise to learn of the dirty world of boxing as soon as possible. Particularly ahead of his imminent move to the squared circle in a promotional role.
Dana White told to focus on UFC project
This is the second time that the UFC supremo has tried to add boxing to his promotional assets. White initially failed in his bid to launch Zuffa Boxing following the debut of Conor McGregor against Floyd Mayweather back in 2017.
White’s second attempt was blasted by outspoken YouTuber MMA Guru this month, who argued the UFC boss should actually focus on promoting the Octagon leader rather than switching his attention to boxing.
“Dana should start f**king promoting fights again,” Guru said. “Now I’m gonna get angry on this microphone. Dana should start promoting fights again and start acting like the President of the UFC. He’s f**king promoting Canelo (Alvarez) versus (Terence) Crawford. Dana is promoting Canelo versus Crawford as the UFC President.
“That’s a f**king traitor right there to the UFC. I honestly believe this. Fire Dana White, and put me in the job. And I’ll promote the UFC,” he added.
And amid concerns over the direction of the UFC, particularly with weak cards, maybe vocal naysayers have some credence in their claims about veteran promoter, White.
