Anderson Silva has a few thoughts on his old boss’ boxing takeover plans.
UFC CEO Dana White is in the process of officially launching his Zuffa Boxing promotion, with an inaugural event scheduled for Jan. 23, one day ahead of UFC 324. A property of TKO Group Holdings, White is to handle day-to-day operations for the promotion alongside WWE president Nick Khan.
A major story in the lead-up to Zuffa Boxing’s debut is White’s attempts to alter the Ali Act, pushing changes that White and his team would allow for fighters to have more options. Critics of the proposed Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act argue it will lead to fighters being exploited, not protected.
Silva, who defeated fellow UFC star Tyron Woodley in a boxing match this past Friday on the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua card, weighed in on controversy in an interview with Fight Hub TV.
“People need to respect the boxing community,” Silva said. “That’s the point. That’s my own concern.”
Asked if he believed White could find the same success in boxing as he has in MMA, Silva is unsure, though he warns that anyone aiming to dominate a particular industry might not have its best interest in mind.
“I don’t know,” Silva said. “When you make something to help the sport and help the athletes, OK. But when you try to do something to control the whole thing, this is bad. This is very bad.”
Check out Fight Hub TV’s clip below.
