Let’s go back in time. Months ago, the news of the TKO-Riyadh Season handshake, which resulted in the creation of a new boxing promotion, was still fresh. In the absence of an official name, it was conveniently referred to as the boxing league. While the media was still abuzz with talk about this potential game-changer, a few reports shared details about the projected payouts for fighters who would enroll in the program. Depending on their standings, fighter pay ranged from a minimum of $20,000 (for a ten-round bout) to $750,000 for title defenses.

Months have passed since those updates emerged. Now, the so-called league has both a name and a proper structure. Helmed by Dana White, Zuffa Boxing has already tested the waters with the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford super fight. To tackle the challenges ahead, boxing’s newest promotion has also secured a broadcast deal with Paramount. Still, in light of its sister concern, the UFC’s $375 million antitrust lawsuit, the issue of fighter pay continues to haunt. The latest revelations only add to the confusion, especially among veterans.

Dana White’s pay revolution for boxing?

Former super featherweight champion Jamel Herring, now just ten days away from his 40th birthday, was among those stunned by the alleged Zuffa Boxing pay structure. “Now this is just rumor… But if this Zuffa Boxing pay structure is real, it’s wild 😳,” he wrote.

“Dana says it’ll ‘change boxing forever’—but if this is true, it’s changing it in a crazy way,” he added before asking, “Would any top fighter actually sign this?” Reportedly, Zuffa’s new pay structure starts with a $5,000 signing bonus. For unranked fighters, it rises to $15,000. Those ranked between fifth and tenth would earn $50,000. Fighters in the top two to four range could take home $100,000.

A title shot would fetch $250,000, and a title defense, $500,000. A clause reportedly requires fighters to compete at least once every five months. It didn’t take long before comments started pouring in. One user pointed out that a $50k–$75k figure could be life-changing for a fighter outside the top tier.

Herring, however, was quick to point out a harsh reality.

Who dares to take up Zuffa’s offer?

“That kind of setup doesn’t really help a prospect in the long run. Who’s to say a guy even breaks into the top ten? Let’s say he finally does, then takes a loss and drops back down. Now his pay goes down again, and if he’s injured during that fight, he’s out for months,” he stated, adding, “This setup punishes risk and slows down development, which is the opposite of what a young fighter needs.”

Add in Dana White’s recent comments where he spoke about the Zuffa and the Ring belt. He and his team may not recognize the titles awarded by other sanctioning bodies.

Eddie Hearn, one of Dana White’s most vocal critics, didn’t hold back. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said, “The reality is, no fighter with any ambition wants to fight for a Zuffa boxing belt. I’m sorry.” So, who might actually join the Zuffa ranks and chase those payouts?

Hearn offered some hints. “It will just be fighters that really have a great opportunity to make some money and be part of something or someone that’s sold out within the sport and just wants to take the money.”

As Jamel Herring noted, the details remain rumors for now. Nothing has been officially confirmed. Fans will need to stay tuned as more information surfaces.

What’s your take? Do the concerns raised by Herring and others hold weight?