The issue came up while discussing the possibility of a future purse bid involving Haney and Keyshawn Davis, who has been designated as the WBO welterweight mandatory challenger. With reports and rumors continuing to link several high-profile fighters to Zuffa Boxing, questions have surfaced about whether Dana White’s company could enter the bidding process for major title fights.
According to Olivieri, the answer is no, for now.
“As of today, they cannot bid because they are not a licensed WBO promoter,” Olivieri said to Cigar Talk.
Olivieri explained that promoters must complete the organization’s licensing process and satisfy various requirements before they can participate in WBO purse bids. That includes filing the necessary paperwork, paying licensing fees, and becoming a promoter recognized by the sanctioning body.
The WBO president stressed that the restriction is procedural rather than political.
“If Zuffa Boxing complies with all the required rules, policies, and requirements per our regulatory structure, why wouldn’t I allow that?” Olivieri said.
The comments are notable because they provide one of the clearest indications yet of how Zuffa Boxing would fit into the existing title system if the company decides to pursue championship fights.
White has repeatedly spoken about shaking up the boxing industry, and speculation has grown in recent months about Zuffa’s involvement with several prominent fighters. However, Olivieri’s remarks make clear that any participation in WBO title fights would require the company to first become an approved promoter under the organization’s rules.
That means Zuffa Boxing remains on the outside looking in when it comes to WBO purse bids, though the door appears open if the company chooses to enter the system.
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