Zuffa Boxing may still be in its infancy but it already has two events in the books, with more on the horizon, too. It is a sharp contrast to more established promoters, like Premier Boxing Champions, who have been limited to a more reduced output on Prime Video, and Top Rank, who remain broadcast-homeless.
Regardless, Zuffa continues to attract criticisms — from its attempts to re-write protections for boxing via the Muhammad Ali Revival Act, and perceptions from those within the sport regarding renumeration for fighters.
Now, Hall-of-Fame fighter Roy Jones Jr. — a promoter and former four-weight world champion — has added his name to those who object to Zuffa’s arrival.
“Your guys … make more money boxing in one night than they make their whole career in the UFC.”
For Jones, per Fight Hub TV: “That’s a problem!”
At the very highest level, at least, Jones may be right. In Sportico’s list of the 100 best-paid sportsmen and women from 2025, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez placed second, banking $137 million, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo. Terence Crawford placed 21st with $66 million, Naoya Inoue was 25th with $62 million, and Jake Paul was 30th with $60 million.
No UFC fighter, meanwhile, was mentioned.
Jones said: “Balance the problem out. Balance the problem in your sport and make my sport better! But don’t go and take my sport and do the same to do with your sport.”
Zuffa Boxing has another two events scheduled. It hosts Zuffa Boxing 03 on Feb. 15 and features Efe Ajagba against Charles Martin in the main event. In Zuffa Boxing 04, on Mar.8, Jai Opetaia makes his debut for the organization against a to-be-determined opponent at cruiserweight.
