Former WBC Cruiserweight Champion Tony Bellew recently labeled Dana White as “an embarrassment from a boxing perspective,” questioning the UFC boss’s suitability to operate in the sport as Zuffa Boxing expands its footprint.
Speaking to Fight Your Conner and Stomping Ground, the former WBC cruiserweight world champion argued that success in mixed martial arts does not automatically translate to boxing’s established structure. His central charge is that White cannot even name the fighters on his own cards.
When someone can speak boxing language, it’s like speaking a foreign language, isn’t it? You know straight away if someone can speak it,” Bellew said.
When you can’t talk about the whole card you’ve put on, that’s dangerous. If you can’t name the whole card and all your fighters, you’re in the wrong sport.
Respect For The UFC, Concern For The Fighters
Bellew was careful to separate his criticism from White’s track record in mixed martial arts, calling himself a fan of the promotion.
I’m saying that about a man who I’ve got huge amounts of respect for and admire what he’s done and what he’s built with the UFC because I’m a UFC fan,” Bellew said.
His deeper warning concerned how the UFC model might be applied to boxers. White has previously outlined ambitions to bring elements of the UFC system into boxing, including a more structured promotional approach and a consistent calendar of events designed to build fighters into stars. Bellew believes that approach is at odds with boxing’s traditional structure.
I care about the fighters and what they’re doing to fighters. And what they’re intending to do to fighters is wrong in every way possible,” Bellew said. “The most important thing they don’t care about is the fighters.
Zuffa Boxing’s Expansion
White officially launched Zuffa Boxing in 2025 under the TKO Group banner in partnership with Saudi-backed Sela.
The promotion staged the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford event in September 2025 before expanding into a broader slate of shows throughout 2026. The company has continued to grow its roster while increasing the frequency of its events in the United States and internationally.
Bellew has remained a regular voice on the sport’s biggest talking points, recently breaking down Daniel Dubois’ chances against Fabio Wardley.