Terence Crawford’s Victory and the Future of Boxing
On September 13, Terence Crawford further established his greatness by securing a challenging, unanimous decision win over Canelo Álvarez at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This event was orchestrated by Turki al-Sheikh, chairman of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority, and Dana White, president of the UFC, with ambitions to make Zuffa Boxing a leading player in professional boxing.
The Decline of Traditional Boxing Promotions
Historically, boxing thrived under HBO Sports, which curated fights that captivated audiences, recognizing that the sport’s success was linked to its own franchise. However, following key departures in 2000, boxing began a decline, drifting from a sustainable model towards dependency on significant financial losses from investors.
Saudi Arabia’s Investment in Boxing
The Saudi General Entertainment Authority has invested heavily in various sports, including a notable presence in boxing since 2018. Fighting events featuring stars like Anthony Joshua have dramatically increased in the Kingdom, while mainstream U.S. media has stepped back, enabling Saudi interests to dominate the narrative.
Establishment of Zuffa Boxing
In 2025, the Saudi GEA and Sheikh announced a multi-year partnership with TKO Group Holdings to launch Zuffa Boxing, intended to redefine the sport. The league aims to feature the top 200 male boxers in 12 weight classes, distancing itself from traditional rankings and focusing on promising young talent instead.
Challenges in Fighter Agreements
Despite their ambitious plans, attracting established fighters proved difficult, leading TKO to pivot towards less recognized prospects. The new structure involves independently promoting league fights separate from high-profile “super-fights,” with TKO collecting management fees while avoiding funding obligations.
The Impact of Canelo-Crawford Fight
The inaugural Canelo-Crawford promotion aimed to solidify Zuffa’s brand, despite anticipated financial losses. While Crawford’s victory established him as a top fighter, monetizing his brand might prove more challenging than Canelo’s, indicating a struggle for Zuffa Boxing amidst declining traditional promotions.
Future Considerations for Zuffa Boxing
As Zuffa Boxing attempts to mesh its model with that of UFC, the absence of traditional promoters raises questions about fairness for fighters. Proposed amendments to existing laws could reshape the sport’s foundation, affecting financial transparency and boxer protections, thus demanding careful scrutiny from those involved in boxing’s future.
