Brandon Glanton reacted sharply to critics questioning Zuffa Boxing after the company’s first championship event in Las Vegas.

“For those of you who have something to say about Zuffa, fuck you too,” Glanton said, defending the promotion that arranged his March 8 fight against Jai Opetaia.

The cruiserweight took to social media to explain why he believes Zuffa provides fighters with opportunities and support that are often lacking in classic boxing.

The comments come as the fallout from the Opetaia-Glanton fight continues to reverberate across the sport.

As reported by World Boxing News, the International Boxing Federation withdrew sanctions from the fight when it became clear that the inaugural Zuffa World Cruiserweight Championships would still be contested, leaving the IBF Opetai title situation to be assessed.

But Glanton says the experience from a warrior’s perspective has been overwhelmingly positive.

Six reasons why Brandon Glanton supports Zuffa

Glanton outlined six areas where he believes the promotion improves the environment for players.

A warrior’s wage

Glanton began with a direct question to the critics.

“Are you paying?” he asked.

The comment addressed one of boxing’s long-standing frustrations, as fighters often struggle with inconsistent pay structures dependent on promoters, broadcasters and sanctioning bodies.

Chances for grave fights

Glanton also questioned what alternatives critics could realistically provide.

“Do you receive consistent opportunities to pursue a degree? What does your career look like?” he said.

The question comes as Zuffa tries to introduce its own championship structure alongside existing boxing titles.

Full event service

Glanton described the logistical support the fighters received during the week of fighting.

“Having everything you need – meals, vitamins, health care, recovery, training facilities,” he explained.

This level of organization distinguished a warrior accustomed to performing many duties independently.

The good of the warrior

Glanton also noted the way athletes are treated on a personal level.

“How are you? How are you today? How are you feeling?” he said.

“It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.”

Effective event structure

Another aspect that Glanton praised was the pace and organization of Zuffa’s activities.

“The time it takes to go from fight to fight, from event to event is rapid,” he said.

“Everything has been taken care of. It’s sleek. It’s tidy.”

Long-term vision

Glanton concluded with a broader prediction about where the company’s approach could lead.

“Zuffa will change boxing,” he said.

The cruiserweight contender insisted his comments were not motivated by financial incentives.

“I’m not being paid to say this. The fight is over. I can’t wait to get back.”

Zuffa Team

Glanton concluded by explaining why he thought players should take a difficult look at the opportunity ahead.

“My injuries, my performance, my mood. What do you care?” he asked. “Keep this in mind when trying to distract players from the opportunity.”

He added that resistance to Zuffa’s model may simply reflect how complex change can be in a sport built on long-standing habits.

“Yes, it’s different. Change is scary. People don’t like change. We are creatures of habit.”

For Glanton, the decision is uncomplicated.

“I am Team Zuffa because Zuffa cares about me,” he said. “Keep watching. See you soon. Don’t blink and I’ll be back.”

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About the Author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.

Miguel Cotto is one of five fighters who have shared the ring with both Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao as professionals, but when it came to naming the most talented opponent of his career, “Junito” looked elsewhere.

The Puerto Rican is among a miniature group of fighters who have faced both of state-of-the-art boxing’s most state-of-the-art fighters, joining Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez in this elite club.

However, as a four-division world champion and a fan favorite around the world, Cotto will be remembered more for his own achievements and fan-friendly style than his fight with Mayweather and “Pac Man,” who gave him two of his first three career losses.

Although when talking about his many talented dance partners, Cotto surprisingly called the man he defeated the most talented opponent in his 47-fight professional career.

In an interview with Boxing of the highest orderCotto recalled his title defense against Zab Judah in 2007, praising the skills of the Novel Yorker, who was the undisputed welterweight champion in 2005.

“[Zab Judah] he was the most talented fighter I had ever faced in my career. He was a professional, a true boxer throughout.

When Cotto and Judah collided, the Puerto Rican took the lead after an 11th-round knockout, with the winner winning all but one round on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of stoppage. The triumph extended Cotto’s undefeated record to 30-0, and he retained his WBA welterweight title.

Three fights later, Cotto lost the 147-pound crown to Antonio Margarito in a highly controversial first career loss in which Margarito was caught in his next fight attempting to operate illegal wristbands containing a plaster-like substance.

“Stop asking these questions,” Thurman told Premier Boxing Champions. “Stop questioning me about who I am and what I can do.”

For much of the delayed 2010s, Thurman was viewed as one of the top contenders in the welterweight division after victories over Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter helped him unify the titles. Injuries and long breaks slowed down this momentum, and his only defeat came in 2019 against Manny Pacquiao.

Injuries and long layoffs have slowed his career, leaving some fans wondering how much longer he has left. Thurman feels that the narrative ignores what he has already accomplished.

“They could still put me in the Hall of Fame as it stands,” he said. “But something in my heart, something in my stomach, something in my soul says this story is not over,” Thurman said.

The upcoming fight against WBC junior middleweight champion Fundora gives Thurman a chance to win a second division title and change the perception that has followed him later in his career.

Thurman acknowledged that the lack of activity raises concerns about boxing, but insists that the criticism has gone too far.

“I fought twice in five years,” Thurman said. “Every time they looked at me, all they saw was a question mark. Will he make it to the finish line? Will he break down? Is he at this point in his career?”

Thurman believes the answer will come when he returns to the ring against a distinguished champion.

“I know where I belong, compared to the best in the world,” he said. “I have a chance here and now to return to world champion status.”

The Fundora-Thurman fight is scheduled for March 28 and will be broadcast on Prime Video pay-per-view.

Thurman clearly understands the skepticism surrounding his return. Whether he can silence the fight against Fundora is a completely different question.