Hall of Famer questions UFC-style structure and says boxing risks losing individuality and major purses
Roy Jones Jr. says boxing could lose fighter individuality and earning power if Zuffa Boxing successfully brings a UFC-style structure into the sport. Jones questioned why boxing would follow a model that many former MMA fighters later criticized publicly over pay.
“If they do what they doing right now, our sport is over in this country,” Roy said to Fight Spider.
Jones argued that boxing’s traditional system, despite its flaws, still allows elite fighters to become major individual stars and earn purses far beyond what UFC fighters historically received.
“Your guys made more money boxing than they did in your sport,” Jones said while discussing former UFC fighters crossing over into boxing for larger paydays.
The Hall of Famer also claimed the UFC structure limits personality and individuality among fighters.
“You don’t have no more personality. You don’t have no more style. You can’t be an individual no more,” Roy said. “You’re getting paid to be sheep.”
Zuffa Boxing has become one of the sport’s biggest talking points in recent months following Dana White’s growing involvement in boxing and continued speculation surrounding possible signings such as Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson.
Jones believes many fighters and fans still do not fully understand the long-term consequences if boxing moves closer to a UFC-style structure.
“This going to kill it,” Roy said.
Jones also pointed to declining UFC ticket sales as evidence that fans eventually grow tired of a system where fighters compete frequently but struggle to build long-term star power and financial independence.
Jones’ comments also come as debate continues around possible Ali Act reform tied to the Zuffa model. Dana White recently dismissed criticism from former fighters and insisted that “everybody” will eventually end up under the Zuffa Boxing banner as the company continues expanding internationally, including upcoming events in England.
