Jai Opetaia & De La Hoya Wade into Politics; Haney Joins DAZN
Unbeaten cruiserweight ruler Jai Opetaia has taken his war with traditional sanctioning bodies to the United States District Court in Nevada, Devin Haney vs mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis takes a massive turn, and Oscar De La Hoya blows the whistle on Zuffa’s fierce power struggle outside the ring. Promoters and sanctioning bodies continue to wage the most significant fights in the sport today.
Jai Opetaia Takes the IBF to Federal Court Over Stripped Belt
Opetaia is filing a formal lawsuit against the International Boxing Federation (IBF). The legal battle stems from the IBF’s decision to strip Opetaia of his world title after he agreed to fight on the inaugural Zuffa Boxing broadcast—a promotion backed by Dana White and TKO Group. Opetaia seeks full title reinstatement, monetary damages, and an injunction. The injunction would stop the IBF from crowning a replacement champion. His lawsuit is a landmark challenge against sanctioning body dominance. It targets their power in the era of corporate streaming promoters.
Devin Haney Inks DAZN Deal Amid WBO Mandatory Purse Bid Order
WBO champion Devin Haney officially ended his promotional free agency. He inked a multi-fight broadcast deal directly with DAZN through Devin Haney Promotions. This comes as the WBO ordered an open purse bid in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The order followed an expired 20-day negotiation window between Haney’s camp and Davis’ promoter, Top Rank. With Haney now anchored to DAZN, the purse bid creates a major broadcast tug-of-war. Networks will fight to stage one of the 147-pound division’s premier matchups.
Oscar De La Hoya Warns Boxers Over Zuffa Boxing’s Monopoly Strategy
Oscar De La Hoya issued a scathing warning to fighters considering deals with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. The Golden Boy Promotions founder called their lucrative contracts a temporary illusion. De La Hoya highlighted massive short-term deals signed by marquee stars. He alleged that Zuffa is overpaying talent to gain rapid market control. Further, De La Hoya argued that TKO and Zuffa Boxing aim to alter the Muhammad Ali Act. They want to operate as a centralized league with proprietary belts and internal rankings. Ultimately, this business model could lead to suppressed fighter purses.
Be the first to comment