Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), has voiced his concerns over the emergence of Zuffa Boxing, a new force in the sport. With backing from major players like UFC and WWE, this venture aims to shake up the traditional boxing world. Their first event got set for January 23, 2026, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sulaiman didn't mince words. He expressed unease about this development during a statement shared with the WBC community. He argued that Zuffa Boxing's entry represents more than just financial muscle; it's an attempt to dominate boxing. Sulaiman said that their focus on profits threatens the sport's rich history and diversity.
“The entry of a multi-billion dollar company and its attempt to dominate the sport represents a threat to the diversity and history of boxing. Its aim to alter the boxing landscape in obvious pursuit of profit above all else cannot be ignored... Money can buy many things. However, no one can buy the history of boxing and boxers by erasing the facts that make it up.”
Zuffa Boxing is set up by TKO, which owns both UFC and WWE, and it has leaders like Turki Al-Sheikh steering its ambitions. The company plans to "revolutionize" boxing through its alliances with these powerful sports entities. The inaugural fight card will feature Callum Smith taking on Carlos 'Chema' Ocampo at UFC Apex.
The backdrop for this dramatic shift raises many questions about how traditional boxing will respond. Established figures within organizations hope that as long as profit doesn’t overshadow heritage, both old and new forces can coexist peacefully inside the ring's ropes.
