The issue came up while discussing the possibility of a future purse bid involving Haney and Keyshawn Davis, who has been named the WBO welterweight mandatory challenger. With reports and rumors continuing to link several high-profile fighters to Zuffa Boxing, questions have surfaced about whether Dana White’s company could enter the bidding process for major title fights.
According to Olivieri, the answer is no for now.
“As of today they cannot bid because they are not a licensed WBO promoter,” Olivieri told Cigar Talk.
Olivieri explained that promoters must complete the organization’s licensing process and meet various requirements before participating in WBO scholarship offerings. This includes submitting the necessary paperwork, paying license fees and becoming a promoter recognized by the sanctioning body.
The WBO president emphasized that the restriction is procedural rather than political.
“If Zuffa Boxing complies with all the required rules, policies and requirements according to our regulatory structure, why wouldn’t I allow it?” Olivieri said.
The comments are notable because they provide one of the clearest indications yet of how Zuffa Boxing would fit into the existing title system if the company decided to pursue championship fights.
White has repeatedly spoken about shaking up the boxing industry, and speculation has mounted in recent months about Zuffa’s involvement with several prominent fighters. However, Olivieri’s comments make it clear that any participation in WBO title fights will require the company to first become an approved promoter under the organization’s rules.
That means Zuffa Boxing remains on the outside looking in when it comes to WBO scholarship offers, even though the door seems open if the company chooses to enter the system.
