Welcome back to another Thursday here at FightHype, also known as La Résistance, where we stand firm in a boxing world gone mad for Saudi cash. Everyone seems ready to trade their soul for a piece of those Turki dollars. But all I’m shelling out is a hefty dose of raw truth from my ever-expanding mail sack, aimed straight at the sport’s unsavory elements. Today, we’re diving into some hot topics about Turki, the Saudis, TKO, Dana White, and the indecisive Tank-Roach situation.
Turki/Saudi/TKO League/Promotion’s Feasibility
Hey Paul, big fan of your work! I’m curious about your take on this budding concept of a boxing league involving Dana White, Turki Alalshikh, and TKO promotion. Can such a league survive, considering the strong Saudi influence? We’ve seen other combat sports like Team Combat League, UFC, and BKFC work well, but nailing high-level boxers who are already tied to promoters and managers seems like a tougher gig. Appreciate your insights.
– Geoff
Hey Geoff,
Thanks for your kind words and for being a loyal reader.
From what I’ve gathered, Dana and his crew are stepping back from pushing the “league” concept, opting instead to frame themselves as simply a promotion company. They’ve probably realized that establishing a bona fide league could make them seem more minor league than big league right now.
When you consider existing network and promotional agreements, a lot of the top-tier talent would be missing from their roster. They’d largely have to rely on second and third-tier fighters, with a few top guys tossed into the mix.
It’s a tall order for Turki, Dana, and TKO, even with the deep pockets from Saudi Arabia. The nostalgia of going back to nine weight classes and ignoring sanctioning bodies sounds dreamy, but it’s bound to clash with promoters and sanctioning bodies as they begin to feel ousted. We’d end up with dueling factions, each playing by different rules, creating even more chaos than we have now.
I believe reality will soon set in, and they might settle into being just another promotional company, rather than revolutionizing the sport completely.
The Real Turki Takeover
Magno,
You deserve mad props for being the sole voice of truth in boxing journalism. You’ve been spot on about Turki’s grand plan from the get-go. With the royal family’s backing, they seem set to use Dana White as a vehicle to steamroll existing promoters and organizations, just as you’ve mentioned.
My question: How will these entities push back, or will they simply fade away? What’s the next chapter in this saga?
– K.L Lee
Hey K.L.,
I think their first move will be trying to cozy up to this new boxing regime, hoping to find a place in the mix. Let’s face it, these promoters and sanctioning bodies are professional hustlers, perpetually on the lookout for the next payday.
It won’t be long, though, before they realize they’re being edged out of the picture by Turki, the Saudis, and Dana. That realisation might spark some resistance. But the real question is whether they’ll act before it’s too late. They’ve essentially let Turki play puppet master with their fighters, much like letting a virus infect your computer for months before deciding to tackle it.
Though there are myriad issues with Saudi’s entry into boxing (which I’ve pointed out consistently), the old guard isn’t without fault either. But if forced to pick a side, I’d reluctantly lean towards the current regime, particularly if the Saudi overreach forces them to shake up how the sport is run and finally care about boxing’s long-term health.
Tank-Roach Fight Decision Stays as Draw
Hey Paul,
No shocker here—the New York commission declined to overturn the Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach decision. Just another blemish on boxing’s reputation. Although I never expected justice from the commission, the sport’s corruption still frustrates me. How do you see this playing out?
– Anthony
Hey Anthony,
You’re right; Lamont Roach deserved that win and should be the WBA lightweight champion. It’s disheartening when deserving fighters leave with anything less than victory. However, the moment that draw was declared, it was essentially set in stone. Altering the result wasn’t in the cards, particularly for a judgment call that can be justified.
While I’m all for fairness, I’m not furious at the NYSAC’s inaction. Once you start overturning decisions at the whim of a fighter/manager/promoter, you open Pandora’s box. It would set a dangerous precedent. Revoking victories due to PED use is straightforward, but reworking officials’ calls isn’t.
Even though Roach got a raw deal, I believe the most realistic form of justice he’ll see is a high-profile rematch—another shot to prove his mettle.
Got a burning question or feedback for Magno’s Bulging Mail Sack? The best submissions make it into our weekly mailbag at FightHype. Email us at [email protected].
