.png)
In a hit out against the UFC President Dana White's recent claims, Oscar de la Hoya, the head of Golden Boy Promotions who boasts names like Ohara Davies and formally Ryan Garcia, has ignited a new discussion in the combat sports world new landscape, where MMA fighters are seemingly making the switch to Boxing. White's claims that the MMA fighters don't make more money in boxing has been laughed off by the boxing legend.
In an interview with MMA Mania, de la Hoya remarked, “I think I heard White say something like, 'MMA fighters don't make more money in boxing.' I can only laugh. Are you kidding? Why then do MMA fighters go to boxing?”
While MMA, UFC in particular, has surged in certainly popularity over the years, from next to nothing, to one of the worlds biggest sports. But it is undeniable that boxing has consistently been seen as a more lucrative avenue for fighters, with the biggest numbers and money figures being recorded. It's sad to say, but the paychecks of the average boxer, dwarfs even the top MMA athletes.
De la Hoya continued, “When Dana says they aren't making more money, that's complete bullshit. They make a ton of money in the ring and that's what matters.”
The crossover of fighters like Nate Diaz and Ngannou into boxing is often seen as a testament to the sport's financial pull, with Anderson Silva and countless others also boasting big paydays in the sport. With the most success coming from Anderson Silva, who has amassed a respectable presence in the sport, beating a former world champion in the process.
But Francis Ngannou's presence can not be ignored either. Despite holding a record of 0-1, that defeat in his debut came to the hands of world champion Tyson Fury, whom he knocked down in the fight. Many fans believed he won the fight, but he didn't dwell on that long as he now set to fight two-time world champion, Anthony Joshua.
There has also been talk of Conor McGregor returning to boxing after his defeat to Floyd 'Money' Mayweather in 2016, a spectacle the world is sure to turn their attention to, and the perfect fight might be there for the Irishman, in another UFC star turned boxer, Nate Diaz. Their feud sells the fight itself and both hold a 0-1 record in the sport, albeit, the difference in opponents should be noted.
De la Hoya's comments have reignited the discussion about pay disparity between the two sports, a topic also lead by youtuber turned boxer, Jake Paul.
But what do you think about this issue in pay between the two disciplines? Who's side are you on? Let us know in the comments below.