Dana White Plans TKO Boxing Promotion with Historic Changes

UFC CEO Dana White has announced the formation of a new boxing promotion in collaboration with Turki Alalshikh, aiming to simplify the sport's championship structure by having only one champion per weight class, rather than multiple titles. This ambitious venture, backed by a multibillion-dollar partnership including TKO and WWE, aims to address the complexities of boxing's numerous weight divisions, which White believes dilute the competition. While some, like WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, have expressed support for the initiative, others, including boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, are skeptical about whether White can successfully apply his UFC model to boxing. Critics worry that the new league might disrupt the traditional boxing landscape, which is not in disarray, as Hearn suggests. Meanwhile, fighters and analysts are divided, with some calling for a reduction in the number of belts but arguing that boxing's long history and competitiveness must be respected. Despite the mixed reception, the first TKO event is set for September, potentially featuring big names like Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.