“I love putting on shows. I look at the production a lot more than I look at, you know, like I think there’s only so much you can control,” said Frank Smith to iFL TV.
“I look at the controllable elements and go, how can we create a product that people come to or watch and go, ‘That was brilliant?’”
“They’ve got deep pockets. They’re unlike anyone else that’s come into the sport in a long time. They’re very successful, obviously. But I think they feel like they can just come in.”
Dana White has frequently defended Zuffa Boxing’s long-term plans and has urged critics to judge the project over time rather than after its first few events.
“Dana keeps saying, ‘Judge me on my body of work,’” said Frank.
“Well, his body of work so far is a load of shows in a garage in Las Vegas and 2,000 people at the Bournemouth International Center so far.”
Zuffa Boxing has already signed several notable names and is expected to continue investing heavily in the sport. The company has also targeted major fights involving some of boxing’s biggest stars as it attempts to establish itself alongside existing promoters.
“In New York, he’s got Richardson Hitchins, Dereck Chisora, and Edgar Berlanga fighting in fights that no one cares about.
“Then he’s got a show a week after Queensberry’s show in Dublin, three weeks before our show at Croke Park.
“With a world middleweight title, which they weren’t going to do belts, now they’re going to do belts.
“It’s all confusing, but it’s fun. I find it fun. I find everything in boxing fun.”
Despite the criticism, Smith made it clear he expects Zuffa Boxing to remain a significant player in the sport, describing White and his team as well-funded and capable of making a long-term impact as competition between promoters continues to intensify.
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