In his latest “Clapback Thursday” segment in March 2026, boxing promoter and former world champion Oscar De La Hoya unleashed a series of sharp criticisms aimed at Dana White, blasting White’s new boxing venture Zuffa Boxing as illegitimate and warning fighters about working with the promotion.
De La Hoya, the founder of Golden Boy Promotions, did not hold back during the segment, calling White’s attempt to enter the boxing world a failure while ridiculing the championship hardware associated with the promotion.
“They’re handing out participation trophy belts,” De La Hoya said, before going even further. “That Zuffa belt is a piece of shit that no serious fighter wants.”
De La Hoya Slams Zuffa’s First Events
According to De La Hoya, the early Zuffa boxing shows lacked the atmosphere and credibility expected from a major promotion. He mocked the quiet setting of the promotion’s initial events, comparing them to pandemic-era broadcasts.
“It looked like a COVID-19 bubble show,” De La Hoya said. “More like a sparring session than a real boxing event.”
The criticism comes as White attempts to expand beyond the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the mixed martial arts powerhouse he has led for decades.
Warning Issued to Jai Opetaia
De La Hoya also directed his comments toward cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, urging the Australian star to reconsider any involvement with Zuffa Boxing.
“Wake up before they ruin your career, brother,” De La Hoya warned.
He accused White of treating fighters as disposable assets and suggested that Opetaia was being used as a “tool” to legitimize the new promotion.
Criticism of The Ring Magazine
The Hall of Fame fighter also took aim at The Ring Magazine, arguing that the historic boxing publication has lost credibility due to its association with White’s new boxing efforts.
“The Ring’s history and honor have been ruined,” De La Hoya said, accusing the outlet of producing what he described as “biased propaganda.”
Personal Jabs at Dana White
Beyond business criticism, De La Hoya also took personal shots at White, referring to him as “Fester,” a reference to Uncle Fester from The Addams Family.
He also questioned White’s ability to succeed in ventures outside of MMA, referencing projects such as Power Slap and The Ultimate Surfer.
Earlier “Clapback Thursday” Targets
De La Hoya’s March comments are part of a broader series of outspoken segments he has released throughout 2026.
Earlier in February, he targeted trainer and manager Bill Haney, criticizing the handling of the career of former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney.
De La Hoya labeled the Haney camp “the biggest crybaby in the history of boxing,” following the lawsuit filed against Ryan Garcia.
Boxing vs. MMA Power Struggle
The feud underscores the ongoing tension between traditional boxing promoters and White’s attempt to expand his combat sports empire into professional boxing.
With Golden Boy and other established promoters defending their territory, White’s push into boxing through Zuffa Boxing appears poised to create one of the sport’s most heated business rivalries in years.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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