Dana White was a big boxing fan years before he transitioned to MMA.
In January, the actor Mark Wahlberg recalled living with the UFC CEO, who worked as his ‘boxing trainer’.
After helping the UFC become a multi-billion-dollar company, Dana White has launched a boxing league.
The 57-year-old will make his promotional debut when Canelo Alvarez fights Terence Crawford on September 12 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Dana White loves Mike Tyson
In 2017, White got a taste of boxing promotion in the build-up to Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor.
Curious boxing journalists quizzed the MMA mogul about his favorite fighters during a pre-fight scrum.
White talked up several boxers, but it was clear he ranked one heavyweight legend above the rest.
“I’m a huge [Marvin] Hagler fan,” he said.
“Obviously, [Mike] Tyson is the greatest thing to ever happen, in my lifetime, as a fan of combat sports…
“I love the guy. We’ve been friends for a long time. I’m still in f—ing awe when he’s in the room.”
Mike Tyson backs Dana White’s boxing move
White was told to ‘stick to UFC’ by angry boxing fans reacting to his key role in Canelo vs Crawford.
The UFC boss has faced widespread hostility since linking up with Turki Alalshikh to revolutionize boxing.
Still, he’s found an ally in Mike Tyson, who is backing him to be a big success in the sport that made him.
“I think he’s going to do a good job,” ‘Iron Mike’ said.
“He’s not going to let the boxers take advantage of him.
“They all need that thing that they all need now, a trust fund.
“They’ll manipulate you.”