UFC President Dana White made it crystal clear that he’s not a fan of the idea of a crossover fight as he evaluated the idea of Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou
Dana White isn’t sold on the idea of a boxing fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. He has accentuated the fact that crossover fights make no sense, and UFC fighters have no business going over to the boxing world.
UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and the UFC top brass have been on loggerheads over pay dispute, and terms in the contract. The ‘Predator’ had even gone out on limb claiming that he wants a move away from the UFC to boxing. But since then, they have sat down on multiple occasions to chalk out a path forward, and Francis has now stated that the prospect of a fight against Tyson Fury should be welcomed in his contract.
“The Tyson Fury fight has to be part of the discussion,” Ngannou said during an interview on “The MMA Hour” on Monday. “That’s not an option. It has to be part of the discussion because if that’s not part of the discussion, it will never be. If I sign another contract now, basically the same model of the contract, I’m screwed. That’s not happening ever. So we have to figure out a way to implement this into a contract.”
However during an appearance on the Pat McAfee show, White turned down the idea of the fight entirely.
“That fight’s definitely not a lock,” White said on The Pat McAfee Show. “… They’ve been talking about it and everything. I mean, guys, Fury is the best boxer – one of the greatest boxers of all time. I mean, you look at the guys he’s beaten and how easily he’s beating them. I don’t know, we’ll see how this whole thing plays out.
“I don’t love the crossover fights. I don’t love ’em.”
When asked about why he hates the idea so much, White said, “‘Cause they’re fckin’ stupid,” White said. “Fcking waste of time, energy, and money. …It’s silly, but I get it.
“… Boxing is a massive advantage for Tyson Fury. Ngannou just wrestled Ciryl Gane. … If you know anything about fighting, it’s a silly conversation.”
‘Take notes from Dana’ – Kamaru Usman hits back at Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza
Espinoza slammed Usman for disrespecting Canelo, and said that UFC fighters chase boxers for a big pay day, since they cannot negotiate or pursue new opportunities without the UFC.
“LOL. UFC fighters want that boxing paycheck but don’t understand that boxers have the autonomy to choose opponents. It’s not about not wanting “smoke.” It’s about professional self-determination, a foreign concept to those who let the kickboxing instructor choose their fights.”
Usman hit back at Stephen by accusing boxing of tainting their legacy by not institutionalizing it. He even said that although boxing is a legendary sport and beautiful art, the best don’t end up fighting the best because of all the corruption and obligations that hamper it.
‘Boxing is a beautiful “Art” with some amazing athletes, and even a couple of good promoters. The problem is low lives like you that are around the sport that has destroyed it for everyone. Take notes from What Dana has done.‘
He even said that the boxing promoters should learn a lesson or two from UFC president Dana White on how to build a company and a sport. ‘Our fans know who the best is because “The best fight The best” not run & hide and fight nobody’s with those plastic belts & call themselves “super champion”. Keep quiet next time & if you need lessons on how to save that dying sport let me know I’ve got Dana on speed dial’
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