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Though he’s yet to score a home run, Dana White nonetheless appears to be touching off one new base after another. The UFC honcho has been under relentless scrutiny over the proposed amendments to the Muhammad Ali Act. Backed by TKO, which owns UFC, WWE, and now Zuffa Boxing, the revival act plans to put in place a Unified Boxing Organization that will work independently with its own rankings, titles, and belts, much like how UFC functions currently. However, the move has reportedly come under severe criticism. Especially in light of the UFC’s $375 million antitrust settlement, many worry whether a singular entity regulating the careers of fighters monopolistically bodes well for the sport’s future. However, Dana White and TKO’s initiative seems to have received some solid endorsement. The unanimous support it received from the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) is one prime example. Now it appears even a few from boxing’s old guard appear enthusiastic for what White and his team are doing in boxing. Boxing Kingdom shares a few excerpts of the comments from Mike Tyson’s erstwhile trainer, Teddy Atlas. Sharing how Dana White turned the fate of MMA in a short span of time, the Hall of Fame trainer reportedly stated, “In a short period of time, Dana has taken MMA, and he has made the UFC into a huge brand. He gives the fans what they want, the best against the best.” So for a man who’s done so much for the combat sports world, Atlas felt he truly deserves a pat on the back. He added, “So, a guy like that. He’s got my backing that he will do with boxing what he did with the UFC—make it good for the fans. He will make it good for the sport.” To set the record straight, this isn’t the first time Teddy Atlas has voiced his support for Dana White. Months ago, during an interview for MMA Knockout, Atlas made it clear what White’s presence could do for boxing. “I love Dana White. I love what he’s done with the UFC…I love his no-nonsense approach. When you say rework it [the Ali Act], I don’t know what that means, but I’ll tell you what it means to Teddy… I want to see it get better,” he said. but it goes without saying. Even with the support of stalwarts like Teddy Atlas, doubts over White and their stated intentions to introduce changes in boxing will continue to invite doubts. Even those outside the boxing fold seem wary of how the proposed Ali revival act would function for athletes planning for a crossover from MMA to boxing for better paydays. Speaking about UFC’s heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s purported plans to switch over to 16 oz gloves, former fighter and now MMA insider Dan Hardy voiced a few concerns. He said, “I feel like this is partly the reason why the Ali revival act is coming through, because it will allow perks, which takes away the temptation for the fighters to go somewhere else and make actual money.” His and many others’ fears stem from White’s past statements where he appeared negative about allowing UFC fighters to try their luck in their squared circle. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports On his part, White has already clarified how, barring the introduction of the UBOs, nothing changes in the Ali Act. “Not one word is going to be changed. Not one thing. “There’s just going to be an add-on to the Muhammad Ali Act,” he stated on the 3 Knockdown Rule. So amid these uncertain times, to have received an approval from one of boxing’s greatest trainers is securing a good round. Days ahead will further reveal further developments on this front. What’s your take on Teddy Atlas’ opinion and Dana White’s boxing entry?
