Addressing the growing speculation surrounding White’s possible role, Sauerland explained why he believes the UFC president can help expand the event’s reach outside of Britain.
“If Turki wants Dana to run it, it makes perfect sense because he has American eyeballs,” Sauerland told Seconds Out.
“There will be a strategic reason if they want to bring Dana White in. If they’re going to bring Dana White in, it will have something to do, I would assume, with America, where this fight means very little.
“Right now it’s a big fight in the UK. I mean, big doesn’t quite do it justice. It’s huge here, but in America it’s not like people are lining up to watch that fight.”
Sauerland also pointed to White’s success in building the UFC into a dominant force in the American combat sports market.
“Bringing Dana in brings in that kind of UFC element,” Sauerland said. “Let’s face it, MMA in America has been the dominant combat sport in America for the last 15, 20 years.
“Boxing, when boxing works in America, is still by far the biggest sport. So, I can understand from a business point of view why they might do that.”
White became an increasingly influential figure in boxing through his partnership with Turki Alalshikh and the introduction of Zuffa Boxing. While no deal has been announced for Fury and Joshua to finally meet in the ring, Sauerland’s comments highlight why White’s involvement could go beyond promotional novelty.
The heavyweight rivalry has long been one of boxing’s biggest unrealized events. While the contest would likely sell out a stadium in Britain regardless of who promoted it, Sauerland believes Dana White’s ability to reach casual combat sports fans in the United States could elevate Joshua vs. Fury to a truly global spectacle.
