Golden Boy Promotions CEO, Oscar De La Hoya, is shooting down the claim by UFC CEO Dana White, who disputes the notion that MMA fighters are crossing over to boxing to make more money.
Back in 2017, UFC superstar Conor McGregor jumped over to boxing to make the biggest payday of his career in a crossover fight with Floyd Mayweather.
Several other former UFC fighters have made the boxing leap in recent years for career-high paydays against social media star Jake Paul.
And more recently, Francis Ngannou walked away from the UFC heavyweight title to pursue more lucrative opportunities. Last October, he secured the biggest purse of his career in a boxing match with WBC world champion Tyson Fury. And now on March 8, Ngannou will receive another massive payday when he faces former two-time champion Anthony Joshua.
De La Hoya feels there is no disputing that MMA fighters are making more money by crossing over to boxing.
“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.”