Tag: Stephen Espinoza

UFC CEO Dana White revels in the rumored shutdown of Showtime Boxing: ‘It’s about time’

Dana WhiteUFC CEO Dana White is far from heartbroken over the potential shutdown of Showtime Boxing. Despite co-promoting Conor McGregor’s big-money matchup with Floyd Mayweather in 2017, White’s relationship with Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza has been strained to say the least. Recently, Boxing and UFC analyst ‘Raf’ on social media reported that Showtime Boxing, which […]

Dana White

UFC CEO Dana White is far from heartbroken over the potential shutdown of Showtime Boxing.

Despite co-promoting Conor McGregor’s big-money matchup with Floyd Mayweather in 2017, White’s relationship with Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza has been strained to say the least.

Recently, Boxing and UFC analyst ‘Raf’ on social media reported that Showtime Boxing, which debuted in 1986, would wrap up its nearly 40-year run following its 2024 schedule.

“I can confirm that Showtime will not be continuing their boxing schedule, after 2024. Following a number of conferences/calls across the pond over the past fortnight, I can attest that Showtime will be pulling the plug on boxing – after 37 years in the industry,” ‘Raf’ wrote on X. “It should be noted that the remaining schedule for the 2023 calendar year will remain unaffected.

“However, beyond 2024, there are no plans to renew current deals & that outside of sporadic PPVs… ShoBox will no longer be a feature and if Showtime dabbles in boxing again, it’ll be one-off PPV events only.”

Addressing members of the press following Tuesday’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series, the UFC CEO appeared to revel in the news of Showtime Boxing’s rumored demise.

“That’s incredibly unfortunate,” White sarcastically told reporters. “Production of that show was fantastic. The guy who runs Showtime Boxing is a great human being. It’s unfortunate to hear this. F*ck Espinoza, and it’s about time that sh*tty product is off the air.”

Showtime Sports President Snaps Back at Dana White

With Showtime Boxing potentially closing up shop, that could leave a big gap in the market. A perfect opportunity for White to launch his long-teased Zuffa Boxing promotion. Asked about the possibility, White said:

“You never know. Sounds good to me” (h/t MMA Junkie).

Getting wind of White’s comments, Espinoza snapped back during his appearance at the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo press conference.

“Not all combat sports is the same. No disrespect to anyone, but there are levels to this,” Espinoza said. “This event will generate a gate (money from ticket sales) of over $20 million. Our third $20 million+ gate in the last six months. To put that in perspective – the UFC has never done a $20 million gate in its entire history. We’ve done it three times since April.”

Company President: Nobody Can Give Francis Ngannou A Better Deal Than Us

Francis Ngannou is looking for a new place to call home, and the president of Showtime Sports believes he offers the best fit. In a stunning move, Francis Ngannou walked away from the UFC while being the reigning and defending heavyweight champion, aft…

Francis Ngannou is looking for a new place to call home, and the president of Showtime Sports believes he offers the best fit. In a stunning move, Francis Ngannou walked away from the UFC while being the reigning and defending heavyweight champion, after a long period of negotiations that ultimately fell through. If you ask…

Continue Reading Company President: Nobody Can Give Francis Ngannou A Better Deal Than Us at MMA News.

Usman Blasts ‘Lowlife’ Espinoza & Others Who Have ‘Destroyed’ Boxing

Kamaru Usman clapped back at Stephen Espinoza on social media after the SHOWTIME Sports executive was critical of UFC fighters’ requests to face boxers. Ever since the blockbuster MayMac event of 2017 that saw Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor produce ceiling-busting profits, other MMA fighters have wanted to get a piece of the crossover action….

Continue Reading Usman Blasts ‘Lowlife’ Espinoza & Others Who Have ‘Destroyed’ Boxing at MMA News.

Kamaru Usman clapped back at Stephen Espinoza on social media after the SHOWTIME Sports executive was critical of UFC fighters’ requests to face boxers.

Ever since the blockbuster MayMac event of 2017 that saw Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor produce ceiling-busting profits, other MMA fighters have wanted to get a piece of the crossover action.

Fighters like Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou have made headlines in recent months for their desires for big money fights against boxers Canelo Álvarez and Tyson Fury respectively, and many others have expressed a glancing interest in someday dabbling in the sweet science, including names like Max Holloway and Rose Namajunas.

This week, Usman and Ngannou have ramped up their efforts for landing their targeted money fights.

In Usman’s case, he has engaged in a back-and-forth with Canelo on Twitter, which has included Usman’s manager Ali Abdelaziz calling the boxer a “chicken” for not expressing the same level of interest in a potential fight against Usman.

The exchange between Usman and Canelo ended with Usman expressing a willingness to fight either in a cage or the ring and then concluded that Canelo simply does not want “that smoke.”

“You calling me out right ? You want the pay day right ? So you know where, but sit down it’s not your turn yet I have a legacy to make,” Canelo said in response to Usman’s ‘cage or ring’ dual challenges.

“Enough said… you don’t want that smoke in a real fight. I hear you! Good luck champ,” Usman replied.

This prompted SHOWTIME executive Stephen Espinoza to interject with the following:

“LOL. UFC fighters want that boxing paycheck but don’t understand that boxers have the autonomy to choose opponents. It’s not about not wanting “smoke.” It’s about professional self-determination, a foreign concept to those who let the kickboxing instructor choose their fights.”

The reigning UFC pound-for-pound king would then issue the following fiery retort.

“Boxing is a beautiful “Art” with some amazing athletes, and even a couple of good promoters. The problem is low lives like you that are around the sport that has destroyed it for everyone. Take notes from What Dana has done.”

“Our fans know who the best is because “The best fight The best” not run & hide and fight nobody’s with those plastic belts & call themselves “super champion”. Keep quiet next time & if you need lessons on how to save that dying sport let me know I’ve got Dana on speed dial.”

Espinoza is credited for making boxing the focal point for SHOWTIME Sports since 2011 when he took over as the department head. He is also said to have played a major role in putting together the best-selling PPV bout of all-time between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2015.

Nevertheless, Espinoza has ruffled some feathers during his time as the head of SHOWTIME Sports. UFC President Dana White has had words with Espinoza in the past, and now his top pound-for-pound fighter is following suit.

What are your thoughts on this exchange including Kamaru Usman, Canelo, and Stephen Espinoza?

Continue Reading Usman Blasts ‘Lowlife’ Espinoza & Others Who Have ‘Destroyed’ Boxing at MMA News.

Espinoza: Jake Paul Is Serious About Advocating For Higher Pay In MMA

Showtime Sports President, Stephen Espinoza, believes Jake Paul isn’t putting on an act when he speaks out on MMA fighter pay. Paul has expressed his belief that MMA fighters, particularly those competing under the UFC banner, are severely underp…

Showtime Sports President, Stephen Espinoza, believes Jake Paul isn’t putting on an act when he speaks out on MMA fighter pay. Paul has expressed his belief that MMA fighters, particularly those competing under the UFC banner, are severely underpaid. Paul went as far as to say that MMA’s biggest star, Conor McGregor, is the most […]

Continue Reading Espinoza: Jake Paul Is Serious About Advocating For Higher Pay In MMA at MMA News.

Bellator Has a New Home on Showtime

Bellator has a new home on SHOWTIME. By now fans have heard about the new tournament news. But in the grand scope of Bellator’s future and how fans can see their presentation of mixed martial arts, Bellator MMA President Scott Coker returns to familiar…

Bellator has a new home on SHOWTIME. By now fans have heard about the new tournament news. But in the grand scope of Bellator’s future and how fans can see their presentation of mixed martial arts, Bellator MMA President Scott Coker returns to familiar territory with SHOWTIME Sports and is bringing the Bellator MMA roster […]

DAZN Still Interested in Combat Sports if Bellator Relationship Does Not Continue

DAZN and Bellator have been in business since the summer of 2018. However, with things changing over at ViacomCBS it would seem they might part ways with the streaming service. While the arrangement was made for a five-year deal, if it does not continu…

DAZN and Bellator have been in business since the summer of 2018. However, with things changing over at ViacomCBS it would seem they might part ways with the streaming service. While the arrangement was made for a five-year deal, if it does not continue, DAZN still says it has an interest in combat sports. According […]

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