Oscar De La Hoya Accuses Dana White of Lying as Zuffa Boxing Feud Escalates

Oscar De La Hoya has intensified his criticism of Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, accusing the UFC CEO of dishonesty and dismissing the newly created Zuffa Boxing championship belt as lacking significance. The escalating feud stems from White’s venture into the boxing world, directly competing with De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

De La Hoya’s Explosive Criticism

Following Zuffa Boxing 03, Dana White took aim at De La Hoya, prompting a strong response from the former six-weight world champion. De La Hoya, in a recent media scrum in Las Vegas, didn’t hold back, labeling White a liar and questioning the legitimacy of Zuffa Boxing.

“Look, Dana saying that he’s going to arrive out with guns blazing and this and that, saying ‘we’re going to show everyone how it’s done and this and that’, then you created your own belt, what is that?” De La Hoya stated. Sports Illustrated reported on the exchange.

De La Hoya went on to compare the Zuffa belt unfavorably to his own personal accessories, stating, “That belt has less history than my Tom Ford belt, and my Dolce and Gabbana belt is worth more.” He also criticized the decision to have Jai Opetaia compete for the belt, arguing it diminishes the championship’s value.

Concerns Over Zuffa Boxing’s Approach

De La Hoya expressed concerns that Zuffa Boxing is attempting to undermine established boxing organizations like the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO. He believes this approach is “absurd” and “mind boggling.”

He further criticized Zuffa Boxing for featuring fighters “on the tail end of their careers or who just can’t make it at the highest level,” according to MMA Junkie. He also took issue with the promotion’s attempts to strip fighters of their individuality.

Long-Standing Rivalry

The animosity between De La Hoya and White dates back years, but has intensified with Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the boxing market. De La Hoya views White’s venture as a threat to the sport he loves, and is determined to protect its integrity. “I love this sport, you can see my passion. I love boxing, I was born to fight and we’re going to protect our sport,” De La Hoya said.

White’s Initial Jab

The latest exchange was sparked by comments made by White after Zuffa Boxing 03, where he reportedly told De La Hoya to “go to OnlyFans” in response to an issue with Golden Boy Promotions’ office building. Sports Illustrated detailed this initial provocation.

De La Hoya responded with a video on Instagram, which he followed up with the more detailed critique during the media scrum.