De La Hoya Slams Dana White For Saying MMA Fighters Are Not Making Money In Boxing
Oscar De La Hoya has hit back at Dana White after the CEO of the UFC dismissed claims MMA fighters are crossing over into boxing for money.
Some of the UFC’s biggest stars have ventured into boxing and earned big purses. Francis Ngannou secured his highest-ever payday by boxing Tyson Fury, making him around over $10 million. His impressive performance linked him with a Fury rematch, which could still play out after the Gypsy King takes on Oleksandr Usyk.
But in the meantime, he has secured a bout with Anthony Joshua, which will earn him another big purse. Nate Diaz also ventured into boxing, facing Jake Paul, as he lost via a unanimous decision. Despite this, Diaz was offered $10 million to face Paul in an MMA rematch under the PFL, even if he turned it down. White shut down those success stories as De La Hoya responded.
De La Hoya On White
“The only thing I have to say about that is I think I heard Dana White say something about, ‘These MMA fighters are not making more money in boxing.’ All I can say or do is laugh,” De La Hoya told MMA Mania. “Like are you kidding me? Why do you think MMA fighters are going into boxing and crossing over for the payday?
“That’s the bottom line. And to test their skill, which is admirable because a MMA fighter going into a ring with an elite fighter not only takes balls but you have to believe in yourself and your skill. And that’s admirable. When Dana White’s saying they’re not making more money it’s bullsh!t. They’re making tons of money inside of the ring in boxing. That’s the bottom line. That’s why you’re seeing Joshua with Ngannou. These guys are warriors.
“When Dana White’s saying they’re not making more money it’s bullsh!t. They’re making tons of money inside of the ring in boxing. That’s the bottom line. That’s why you’re seeing Joshua with Ngannou. These guys are warriors,” De La Hoya said
Other Fighters
De La Hoya’s comments still apply today, given the number of other UFC fighters looking to box. Sean O’Malley called out Gervonta Davis following his biggest career win when he stopped Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 to win the bantamweight title. The call-out was a surprise since O’Malley could have opted for another UFC fighter, much like he is currently doing by facing Marlon Vera in their rematch. It is the only loss on O’Malley’s record.
At the same time, Jorge Masvidal has been linked with a boxing match against Nate Diaz. Gamebread recently confirmed he was coming out of retirement, with Jake Paul announcing that Diaz was his next opponent. The Problem Child deleted that message, but Masvidal did not reveal if the rumors were true. Ariel Helwani said that talks were ongoing, showing that UFC fighters are keen to crossover.
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