Frank Smith Fires Back At Dana White’s ‘Judge Me On My Body Of Work’ Comment

Matchroom CEO questions Zuffa Boxing’s early results while acknowledging the promotion’s financial power and long-term potential

Frank Smith has challenged Dana White’s claim that Zuffa Boxing should be judged on its body of work. The Matchroom CEO argued that the promotion’s early results have yet to justify the attention surrounding its arrival in boxing.

Smith was asked about White’s entry into the sport following Zuffa Boxing’s latest event in Bournemouth and did not hold back when discussing what he has seen so far.

“I love putting on shows. I look at the production a lot more than I look at, you know, like I think there’s only so much you can control,” said Frank Smith to iFL TV.

“I look at the controllable elements and go, how can we create a product that people come to or watch and go, ‘That was brilliant?’”

“They’ve got deep pockets. They’re unlike anyone else that’s come into the sport in a long time. They’re very successful, obviously. But I think they feel like they can just come in.”

Dana White has frequently defended Zuffa Boxing’s long-term plans and has urged critics to judge the project over time rather than after its first few events.

“Dana keeps saying, ‘Judge me on my body of work,'” said Frank.

“Well, his body of work so far is a load of shows in a garage in Las Vegas and 2,000 people at the Bournemouth International Center so far.”

Zuffa Boxing has already signed several notable names and is expected to continue investing heavily in the sport. The company has also targeted major fights involving some of boxing’s biggest stars as it attempts to establish itself alongside existing promoters.

“In New York, he’s got Richardson Hitchins, Dereck Chisora, and Edgar Berlanga fighting in fights that no one cares about.

“Then he’s got a show a week after Queensberry’s show in Dublin, three weeks before our show at Croke Park.

“With a world middleweight title, which they weren’t going to do belts, now they’re going to do belts.

“It’s all confusing, but it’s fun. I find it fun. I find everything in boxing fun.”

Despite the criticism, Smith made it clear he expects Zuffa Boxing to remain a significant player in the sport, describing White and his team as well-funded and capable of making a long-term impact as competition between promoters continues to intensify.