‘So Much For The American Way’: Oscar De La Hoya Expresses His Disappointment With Dana White

UFC boss Dana White’s entry into the world of boxing with his promotion, Zuffa Boxing, also brought in a major change in the sport, in the way of amendments to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. The new bill, named the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act, was recently endorsed by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya, however, isn’t too pleased about the turn of events.

Taking to X, De La Hoya delivered a magnanimous clapback, expressing his disappointment with the CSAC and with White for trying to shortchange athletes.

“I am so disappointed in the CSAC. I mean, no other promoter has tried to change this act, because there’s no reason to! We believe in fair business. But you have these TKO scumbags who needed to change. I mean, look at their plans. Dana White said openly that they will be honoring one belt, their own belt!” he said.

Notably, the Muhammad Ali Act, which was introduced by John McCain (with Senator Richard Bryan) in 1998, required promoters and sanctioning organizations to disclose to the relevant State boxing commission the contracts, fees, and other financial terms relevant to a boxer’s event. This, in turn, protected fighters from being locked in unfair deals.

This is the very stability that critics of White’s Revival Act say will be disturbed with its inception. In fact, according to them, the model could reduce transparency and potentially compromise the fighter’s negotiating position and earnings potential.

While White is pretty set on having boxing’s very own version of the Contender Series, De La Hoya is worried that his quests for grand spectacles might leave fighters with little to no freedom or opinion.

“What the f*ck is next, tigers and lions chained to the f*cking canvas? Dana, look, he’ll go to his buddy, President Trump, and have him push these changes to the Ali Act through. So much for the American way and the First Amendment. I guess it doesn’t apply here,” he said. “Fighters will be stuck in a dictatorship, with no voices or rights, as TKO takes all your money. Just like the UFC has done!”

“You Don’t Know Sh*t About Boxing”

White’s entry into boxing has undoubtedly displeased many notable names in the sport, including Eddie Hearn and De La Hoya himself. Talking in the same video, he pointed out the UFC honcho’s apparent lack of knowledge about the sport, while not shying away from the profanities.

“So, Dana, you don’t know sh*t about boxing. You don’t give a sh*t about our history. You give less of a sh*t about the fighters, your tiny t-shirt looks like s***, and everyone thinks you’re a piece of sh*t,” he said. “So Dana, f*ck you!”

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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