Higher ups in the Boxing world have polarizing takes on UFC's prospective promotional efforts in May 2020.
Boxing Promoters Have Polarizing UFC In Florida Thoughts
Boxing Promoters on UFC Florida; there are opinions from all across the spectrum. While most major sports have halted things entirely, the UFC has been aiming to press forward. The promotion is looking to run multiple events this month at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Oscar De La Hoya has an uncharacteristically positive opinion on what the UFC is doing here. Bob Arum has recently come out with a diametrically opposed take.
Boxing Promoters on UFC Florida
Oscar De La Hoya hasn’t always had the best opinions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and some of their practices. The Golden Boy Promotions founder has in past criticized how UFC pays fighters and has had several public spats with UFC figurehead Dana White. De La Hoya addressed those past clashes with White but said he commends Dana and has respect for him. The former world champion boxer was discussing these topics on a recent installment of CBS Sports’ “State of Combat” podcast.
Bob Arum thinks that Boxing should follow suit with other major sports’ methodology and not of the UFC. The CEO of Top Rank seems to think May is too soon. Even though he has discussed the possibility of running events with no fans in attendance in late-June at the earliest. The long time promoter of the sweet science hopes “that they’re not endangering the safety of anyone” in doing this. He also described the effort as “Cowboy behavior” which is apropos considering Donald Cerrone is scheduled for one of the May cards (a rematch with Anthony Pettis slated for UFC 249 on May 9th).
Bob Arum is looking at Nevada or California for future fight destinations. As Boxing looks to make a return once it can be done “in a sensible way”. Arum having an adversarial relationship with UFC, and the sport of MMA by proxy, is certainly nothing new.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE_tsPatoBU
