Boxing

Roy Jones Jr. warns that Zuffa’s boxing bouts could ‘kill’ the sport

Published

6 months ago

May 19, 2026

Roy Jones Jr. appeared on Fight Spider’s to bluntly warn about the direction American boxing could go if Dana White and Zuffa Boxing are successful in changing the Muhammad Ali Act. The Hall of Fame members met with host Andrew Bocanegra and former world champion Brian Mendoza for a wide-ranging conversation that quickly turned to the legislative efforts taking place in Washington.

Zuffa, which operates under the umbrella of the TKO Group, is pushing for a review of the Ali Act through proposed legislation called the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. The framework would create the United Boxing Organization, a centralized structure modeled in part on the UFC. White said fighters who prefer to remain under the existing Ali Act could continue to do so, but opponents say the proposal would centralize the selection of fighters, lengthen endorsement contracts and concentrate control of the sport.

What was the original Ali Act created for?

The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was passed in 2000 to address what Congress viewed as long-standing abuses in professional boxing. The law concerned coercive contracts, conflicts of interest involving promoters and sanctioning authorities, and a lack of financial transparency. It also limits promoters from owning shares in the fighters they promote, which has shaped the business of American boxing for a quarter of a century.

Several recognizable figures in sports have expressed opposition to the revision of the law. Nico Ali Walsh and Oscar De La Hoya traveled to Washington to meet with senators and oppose weakening existing protections. Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, publicly defended the statute bearing his grandfather’s name. Senate Commerce Committee hearings earlier this year drew on testimony from boxing officials on both sides of the debate, including: Coverage from ESPN appearances by De La Hoya and TKO president Nick Khan.

Jones: ‘Our sport in this country is over’

Jones did not soften his language during the interview. He argued that what is presented as structural improvement carries consequences that militants do not fully consider.

“The problem is we act the same as everyone else,” Jones said. “Here they show you something good that will completely destroy you there. So they give it to you to make it look good, but actually they tear you apart.”

He framed the issue in terms of identity, saying that the nature of boxing depended on the ability of fighters to operate as individuals rather than as employees within a single promotional system.

“If they do what they’re doing now, our sport in this country will be over,” Jones said. “You no longer have personality. You no longer have style. You no longer have individualism. You can no longer be an individual. Your place. You are just a sheep.”

McGregor comparison

Jones repeatedly returned to the financial argument, pointing to former UFC fighters who earned significantly more in boxing than during their MMA careers. He cited the 2017 Conor McGregor-Floyd Mayweather crossover fight as the clearest example of the divergence between the two business models.

“Some of your athletes left your sport, went into boxing and made more money in one or two fights than they made in their entire career with you,” Jones said. “If Conor McGregor made more money in one fight than in his entire career, why do I want your model in my game?”

He also expressed concerns about the influence of militants in a centralized system, arguing that consolidated control would limit the space for dissent.

“If they don’t like you or you say something against them, you can’t be world champion because they don’t like you and you don’t have anyone to fight on your side,” Jones said. “You better wake up.”

Financial warning

Bocanegra referenced the recent Senate hearing during the conversation, prompting Jones to end with a projection on what he believes a Zuffa-controlled structure would mean for fighter portfolios.

“It’s dead. It’s definitely going to kill him,” Jones said. “When you get to the point where you should be making $20 million and now you can’t make $2 million, it’s not going to look very good because that’s what’s going to happen.”

The entire interview is available on the Fight Spider’s website Primetime boxing show. Jones’ comments add another significant voice to a debate in which pointed differences remain between those in the established boxing industry and those who support Zuffa’s proposed restructuring of the sport.

Boxing

Mayweather Prepares for Garcia Fight in Bangkok without Tyson or Pacquiao

Published

7 hours ago

November 1, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

"Mayweather Prepares for Garcia Fight in Bangkok without Tyson or Pacquiao"

Floyd Mayweather has confirmed a December 19 exhibition against Matty Floyd in Bangkok, calling the contest a warm-up before facing Ryan Garcia, with Mike Zambidis, Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao absent from his latest plans.

The undefeated boxing legend announced the fight through his verified Instagram account, confirming he will face the Australian in Thailand at an event billed as “The GOAT vs. The Jedi.”

“This is a lil tune up before me and Ryan Garcia lock up,” Mayweather stated.

The statement comes after months of plans involving Tyson, Zambidis and Pacquiao, none of whom has made it into the ring with Mayweather despite previous announcements.

In Mayweather’s last interview at a Dmitriy Salita promotion, the former pound-for-pound king stated he was heading to Greece to fulfill his postponed agreement with Zambidis.

Mayweather vs. Matty Floyd

The December 19 exhibition will see Mayweather face a fighter already familiar to World Boxing News readers.

Floyd, nicknamed “The Jedi,” faced former world champion James DeGale under Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship rules, losing a unanimous decision in September 2025.

The Australian later told WBN that DeGale had reportedly knocked out six sparring partners before their contest, insisting his awkward style made the former Olympic champion look ordinary.

Floyd also became involved in a bizarre feud with Billy Joe Saunders, even traveling to England for a proposed meeting in a pub car park.

The confrontation never happened, despite Floyd telling WBN he had flown over specifically to confront Saunders.

James DeGale lands punch on Matt Floyd during bare-knuckle fight after six sparring KOs claim — BKFC

Mayweather vs. Ryan Garcia

Whatever happens against Floyd, Mayweather could have the opportunity to challenge Garcia for the WBC welterweight title if a professional fight can be agreed.

Garcia has already made it clear he wants a professional contest against Mayweather, rather than an exhibition.

As WBN reported on October 7Garcia revealed that Mayweather had approached him about a potential fight.

“I’m ready Floyd, remember you made this call,” Garcia stated.

The reigning WBC welterweight champion wants Mayweather’s famous 50-0 record on the line.

Mayweather, who turns 50 in February, has not fought professionally since defeating Conor McGregor in 2017.

David Benavidez has already warned Mayweather against risking his undefeated record against the younger champion.

Tyson and Pacquiao Plans

During a recent PBD Podcast appearance, Mayweather indicated an exhibition with Tyson would come before the Pacquiao rematch.

The Pacquiao fight has already suffered repeated delays, with the original September plans falling apart amid unresolved commitments and legal complications.

Mayweather previously suggested the rematch was close to being finalized, only for Pacquiao’s representatives to acknowledge that negotiations remained on “Floyd Time.”

Neither the Tyson nor Pacquiao fight has been formally canceled, while no date or signed agreement has been announced for Garcia.

Whether the Bangkok appearance leads to a professional comeback against Garcia remains to be seen. Mayweather has named plenty of potential opponents, but getting those fights over the line has proved a different matter.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.

Read Phil Jay’s full bio and latest stories.

Boxing

Turki Snubs Canelo After $47 Million World Title Victory

Published

8 hours ago

November 1, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

"Turki Snubs Canelo After $47 Million World Title Victory"

Canelo Alvarez defeated Christian Mbilli in Riyadh just two days after ballistic missile debris fell in the Saudi capital, but Turki Alalshikh snubbed the Mexican superstar by spending much of the fight talking to the person beside him instead of watching the action.

Alvarez reclaimed the WBC super middleweight title by unanimous decision, with judges scoring the contest 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112. World Boxing News scored the fight 118-110.

Canelo’s reported $47 million guarantee was part of his lucrative four-fight agreement with Riyadh Season.

The fight went ahead despite serious security concerns after Saudi Civil Defense reported that debris from two intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles fell in Riyadh on Thursday, October 29.

One civilian suffered minor injuries, while a house and vehicle were damaged just two days before Canelo and Mbilli stepped into the ring.

Yet as Canelo fought, Alalshikh repeatedly turned toward his ringside companion for lengthy conversations.

World Boxing News witnessed Alalshikh talking during the vast majority of rounds, including several moments when the fighters were exchanging punches directly in front of him.

For a fighter of Canelo’s stature, competing for a world title in a contest worth a reported $47 million to him, the repeated conversations gave the appearance of a ringside snub from the man helping bankroll the event.

Turki’s Ringside Behavior

Turki’s extraordinary behavior caught the attention of fans, as well as WBN.

“Nice to see the massive fight fan Turki Al-Sheikh having a conversation throughout the entire fight,” one viewer posted on X.

Another declared: “Turki has completely checked out of boxing.”

A third posted: “Bro Turki Alalshikh hasn’t watched a moment of this fight ….”

WBN’s Take

Turki proclaims to be a boxing fan, but showing up and appearing so blatantly uninterested in watching the action hardly supports that claim.

It almost looked as though the matchmaker wanted to make a point about something. Whether that was his intention is something only Alalshikh can explain.

Why would anyone involved in bringing Canelo back for a fight reportedly worth almost $50 million to the Mexican, with the contest going ahead in Riyadh just two days after missile debris injured a civilian and damaged property, appear so uninterested in watching?

Oleksandr Usyk congratulates Canelo in Riyadh — Usyk | Riyadh Season

It’s unfathomable and, in WBN’s view, an indication that boxing still has a long way to go in the region.

Alalshikh has brought enormous money into boxing and helped make some major fights happen. But spending millions does not automatically mean you get a free pass for everything.

Boxing suffers when those running it give the impression they don’t care about what’s transpiring in front of them.

Unfortunately for Turki, his behavior during Canelo’s victory will give further fuel to those who already criticize.

He could have been discussing business, but why choose those 36 minutes to do so when Canelo was fighting for a world title directly in front of him?

The man helping Canelo’s later career appeared to have other things on his mind. Whatever his reasons, repeatedly turning away from one of boxing’s biggest stars during a world title victory was, in WBN’s view, a poor look for all concerned.

And the fact Turki jumped into the ring afterwards to celebrate wildly only adds to the mystery of why he spent so much of the fight looking elsewhere.

About the Author

Read Phil Jay’s full bio and latest stories.

Boxing

Jake Paul Analyzes Canelos Impressive Decision Victory Over Christian Mbilli

Published

12 hours ago

November 1, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Jake Paul Analyzes Canelo's Impressive Decision Victory Over Christian Mbilli

Jake Paul has shared his reaction to Canelo Alvarez returning to the ring with a victory over Christian Mbilli.

Canelo claimed world honours once again as he defeated Mbilli by unanimous decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to win the WBC super-middleweight title.

It appeared to be a fairly competitive fight up until the halfway stage, but Alvarez then began to pull away to claim a comfortable win, as the judges scored it 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 in his favour.

Attention has already turned to who the Mexican superstar could now take on next, and one man that has been linked to a fight with Canelo over the years is YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.

Posting on social mediaPaul gave his take on Canelo’s performance, whilst also once again calling for a fight with the new WBC super-middleweight champion.

“Out of the ring for 13 months but still the same old Canelo. Respect. Did take a lot of punches though. We will dance my friend, we will dance.”

Out of the ring for 13 months but still the same old Canelo. Respect.
Did take a lot of punches though. We will dance my friend, we will dance.

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) October 31, 2026

It appears unlikely that a bout between Canelo and Paul will happen anytime soon, with ‘The Problem Child’ scheduled to make his own comeback on Christmas Eve in Dubai, in what will serve as his first action since losing to Anthony Joshua last December.

As for Alvarez, he may look to now target the other world champions at 168lbs in a bid to become undisputed once again, while he has also made it clear that he would like a rematch with former foe Terence Crawford as he seeks to avenge his defeat from last year.