Some militant groups have recently criticized sanctions fees, arguing that organizations are taking too much of a cut from their wallets. Fundora sees it differently. In his view, the belt itself is what creates the payout.

“Titles bring money. That’s a fact,” Fundora told Lalosboxing. “You can be an ordinary fighter fighting a 10-round fight and get, I heard some people get paid $10,000 for a 10-round fight. It’s kind of unhappy because it’s a lot of work.”

Sebastian pointed out how quickly those numbers change when a championship belt becomes part of the equation.

“But if you put a belt on it, these guys are getting six-figures now,” he said. “Now they get million-dollar fights.”

Sanctioning bodies typically take a percentage of a fighter’s purse for title fights. The system has long been part of boxing’s business model, but has recently gained novel scrutiny as several high-profile fighters have questioned the validity of the fees charged.

Fundora admitted that the fighters are punished in the ring, but he believes that the financial compromise still favors the champions.

“Obviously everyone wants to hold the cookies because you’re taking punches and it’s a demanding sport,” Fundora said. “But it’s a business. They want their check. They want their share.”

The high master said that the interest itself was not excessive compared to the financial possibilities that the title could bring.

“Three percent is not bad,” Sebastian said. “This is boxing.”

Fundora will defend his WBC title against Keith Thurman on March 28. This fight puts the belt in the spotlight. An exact scenario that he says proves his point about the value that champion status brings to players’ careers.

Oscar De La Hoya has spoken out about the drama between Zuffa Boxing and the IBF, which unfortunately included Jai Opetaia, and made some solemn accusations against Dana White.

Opetaia looked set to defend his IBF cruiserweight world title in his debut with the modern organization against Brandon Glanton, but the sanctioning body withdrew its support just two days before fight night, citing Zuffa’s inaugural belt and its legality as a key factor.

The decision – which has since been debated again – left Opetaia gutted and his straight points win reaffirmed its aim to achieve an unchallenged position through the conventional four sanctioning bodies.

Zuffa’s De La Hoya and Dana White have had long-standing issues, and their media coverage shows no signs of abating. So this is hardly surprising Hall of Fame fighter and promoter Golden Boy had something to say on social media about this latest drama.

“So Jai Opetaia fought over the weekend for what he thought was the IBF title… only to find out at the press conference that he had been lied to by none other than Uncle Fucking Fester and Zuffa.

“So let me explain. We all know that the Zuffa belt is like a participation trophy given to a nine-year-old at the end of a soccer match. It has the meaning of a hemorrhoid on my fucking ass. And that’s all they agreed was enough for the IBF to take on Opetaia, until last week at the press conference when Fester and his friends surprised everyone and announced the Zuffa belt as the world champion belt.”

These motherfuckers broke the fifth rule of the IBF. Then the sanction was withdrawn. Zuffa has no intention of following IBF rules and used this scam to humiliate them. So [the IBF] he said “fuck it” and they backed off. Zuffa was lying to everyone this whole time and destitute Jai Opetaia suffered because of it.

White has hinted at legal action over the IBF’s decision and there are early reports suggesting a lawsuit may have already begun, although no word has been received from Opetai himself or his close representatives.

The experienced trainer didn’t discount Opetai’s ability, but suggested the undefeated cruiserweight has some growth left before he faces some of the most established fighters in the division.

“Opetaia, I think he gets hurt in every fight he fights,” Benavidez Sr. said to Sean Zittel. “He gets injured fighting unknown fighters. I think he needs a little more experience.”

IBF champion Opetaia is viewed by fans as a top contender in the gaunt cruiserweight division. His two victories over former champion Mairis Briedis, who was already over 30 years aged, remain the most significant victories in his history.

Still, Benavidez Sr. believes other champions pose more stern challenges at the moment.

“I think Beterbiev, Bivol and Ramirez are more risky than Opetaia,” Jose senior said. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good fighter. He’ll be a great fighter. But right now he doesn’t have the experience that David has.”

Benavidez Sr. also pointed to Ramirez as his closest focus, given the Mexican player’s experience and position in the sport. Gilberto already held the super middleweight title before moving up in weight and becoming the cruiserweight champion again.

Benavidez is expected to challenge Zurdo in a cruiserweight fight, which his father sees as a prime opportunity to prove that his son can successfully compete at lithe heavyweight. Jose Sr. expects his son to look impressive in this fight.

“That’s the plan,” Benavidez Sr. said when asked about the possibility of winning after the stoppage. “I think he’ll keep it ninth or tenth. David can’t just win the fight. He has to look spectacular to be in the bigger fights.”

While Opetaia remains a potential future opponent, depending on the development of the cruiserweight division, Benavidez Sr suggested the Australian champion needs even more time and experience before being considered the most risky challenge available to his son.