Mauricio Sulaiman: "We simply urge Zuffa Boxing to respect and protect boxing and the boxer"
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 22 Jan 2026
Zuffa Boxing is ready to present its first boxing event, and Dana White has confirmed that he will not accept or be interested in the participation of boxing's governing bodies. The path toward a new world also includes the world of boxing and is already underway.
"It is unfortunate and regrettable that Dana White and his entire team have taken this route to try to intimidate and be so aggressive with the boxing organizations. They are already present in the boxing world and are free to organize and present the events they have planned or seek to hold," said WBC President Sulaiman, who wishes Dana White success with this initiative and acknowledged that it could help boxers.
However, Sulaiman has indicated that this tone of supremacy is not the best message, but rather a warning sign for boxers who want to be world champions of the WBC or any of the other organizations.
Last week, Sulaiman stated that the WBC only wants to protect the dreams of children and young people entering the world of boxing, citing the example of Calum Walsh, who is now ineligible for a world championship opportunity because he is on the Zuffa Boxing roster.
Sulaiman insists that the WBC supports all promoters and respects other sporting governing bodies, but also emphasizes that each sport has a governing body that administers and organizes it, such as the NBA for basketball and the NFL for American football, among others.
Sulaiman urges Zuffa Boxing to maintain hope for better opportunities for boxers and for protection both inside and outside the ring.
Dana White and Zuffa Boxing secured the signing of IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, but he will remain with his promoter, Tasman Fighters. The agreement clearly states that he can participate in world championship fights and unify titles outside of Zuffa Boxing.
"We simply urge Zuffa Boxing to respect and protect boxing and the boxer," Sulaiman said.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Nuñez vs Navarrete: Knuckle Up for a Certified Banger
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 28 Feb 2026‘There's no way I'm going to lose’ -- Holly McMath looks to make a statement in high-stakes trilogy fight
Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER AND FINAL WORDS FOR NAVARRETE VS. NUNEZ
Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS: PIERCE VS. PARRA
Sat, 28 Feb 2026Former US President Obama will donate Ali gloves to his presidential library
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 28 Feb 2026Almacen Brothers Make Weight, Ready for Battle in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Fri, 27 Feb 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas
Fri, 27 Feb 2026Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet
Fri, 27 Feb 2026Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 27 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 26 Feb 2026San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Feb 2026