The boxing world is buzzing with excitement as the two undisputed champions are on their way to go toe-to-toe in a highly anticipated bout. As the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo bout inches closer, a certain rumor started to spread that embroiled two big personalities of the world of combat sports in a vicious verbal back and forth. The rumor raised the question about Showtime’s future in the sport.

It all started after rumors started to flood social media about Paramount deciding to axe Showtime’s boxing content after this year ends. It stated that the network would ditch broadcasting the sport. Amidst the rumors, Dana White took the chance to take a shot at the President of Showtime Sports Stephen Espinoza which ignited a verbal tussle between the two. Moreover, Espinoza has now come out to clear the air.

Stephen Espinoza addresses the recent rumors

The recent rumor shook the boxing world, which is understandable considering the influence of Showtime in boxing. It is rumored that the $2.2 billion entity will be announcing its curtain call as early as next week. During an interview with Boxing News, Espinoza addressed the situation. He stated he has seen “some of the sources” circulating the rumor and called them “comical”. He added, “It sounds great from the outside but it’s simply not the reality.”

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Furthermore, he claimed that the network has been dealing with such rumors since at least 2018. However, he understands the reason behind the rumors and pointed out that Paramount is currently going through a lot of changes. He also claimed that such a message is being spread by those who have conflicting interests with the network. He added, “You all know who I’m talking about who’s been spreading this. Our response was, ‘We’re just gonna keep making good fights,’ and that’s what we’re doing now.”

Moreover, Espinoza took a jab at those who are further circulating the lie against the network.

The back and forth between Espinoza and Dana White

Among the people who were in the ShowTime President’s crosshairs was UFC’s president Dana White, who has had beef with Espinoza since 2022. When asked about the unfortunate rumor, White stated that showtime leaving boxing is “incredibly unfortunate”. He sarcastically remarked and called “the guy who runs Showtime Boxing” a “great human being”. However, he couldn’t keep his true feelings about Espinoza to himself. He stated, “F*** Espinoza, and it’s about time that s***y product is off the air.”

Soon Stephen Espinoza fired back and stated that “there are levels to this”. He addressed the Canelo- Charlo bout and stated that the event will “generate a gate of over $20million.” He also pointed out that this event will be their “third $20 million+ gate in the last six months.”

Taking shots at White’s company he stated, “UFC has never done a $20 million gate in its entire history.” Furthermore, he flexed that showtime has managed to do so “three times since April.”

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This prompted a furious response from White who called Espinoza a “Weasel”. Moreover, he stated that the success of those events had nothing to do with him as it was the fighters who brought in the people. He stated that those “megastars” are the ones who drive the gates for their fights. White even called Espinoza a “Delusional POS” for taking the credit for himself.

Overall, the beef between the two renowned personalities of the combat sports world has once again flared up as the day of one of the biggest fights this year is almost at hand. What do you think about the rumors going around? What about the back-and-forth between White and Espinoza? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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