Paulie Malignaggi Casts Doubt on Dana White’s Involvement in Boxing

The involvement of Dana White in boxing has captured the attention of the sport, with opinions split on whether it’s a positive or not to have the UFC head honcho involved. There had been rumours White would not be involved in the September 13 Canelo vs Terence Crawford card, but Turki Alalshikh has confirmed White will be involved in promoting the event. Former world champion Pauli Malignaggi has expressed doubts to Spin Genie about White’s involvement in boxing, predicting it won’t end well.

Dana White Involved in Canelo vs Crawford Mega-Fight

Malignaggi Highlights Pitfalls Big Investors Like Dana White Face in Boxing

Talking about White’s involvement in boxing, Malignaggi expressed his doubts he can succeed, citing past failed ventures from big-name investors: “How are you going to draw top fighters to your promotion when your [fighter purses] ceiling is not high enough? I don’t know how he’s going to manage it. 

“People make it like this guy can make all the great fights. But the UFC is a locked environment. You can either take the money, or you’re going to sit on the bench.

Read More: Shakur Stevenson’s Honest Take on Canelo vs Crawford Showdown

“I think [changing boxing] it’s a more difficult proposition than people think, I have seen these kinds of VIP names come into boxing, not really understanding the model. 

“They come in with a big splash like Jay-Z. He did a show at Madison Square Garden. He showed up with a mink coat. He came in with a splash and then went out with a whimper. 

“50 cent, as well. I’ve seen these VIP multimillionaires come into the sport and think they’re going to revolutionize the wheel.  And ultimately they wind up going out the door with a kick in the ass, an embarrassed look on their face after losing millions. 

Read More: Ex-World Champion Gives Terence Crawford a ‘Great Chance’ Against Canelo

“I don’t know if he’s going to be losing millions, I don’t know if he’s got Turki Alalshikh’s money to fund it, but either way it doesn’t really matter, because I don’t think the model works,” said Malignaggi.

Eddie Hearn Supports Dan White

Eddie Hearn also gave his view on Dana White’s involvement: “The reality is, the promoter of this fight is Turki Alalshikh… All the decisions are made from His Excellency. I think it’s a good look to have Dana doing it. I mean, you’re kind of a guest promoter, that’s really what a lot of us are when we do Riyadh Season and Ring Magazine events. I think Dana’s got a much bigger profile than me in America, so I get the move… I think it’s a pretty cool move, really. I think it’s good for boxing,” said Hearn.

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for the build-up, fight night and all the post-fight fallout from Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford.