Stephen Espinoza, president of Showtime Sports, didn’t hold back his words in a recent press conference, taking jabs at the UFC while proudly displaying boxing’s recent Pay-Per-View (PPV) success.
Dana White and Stephen Espinoza have had a long history of enmity. Their relationship is notable for its lack of affection, as both persons have openly and vocally stated their mutual contempt. Their public words and interactions have regularly shown this animosity, highlighting their differences.
Dana White and Stephen Espinoza have a reputation for speaking their minds when it comes to one another. Their rivalry dates back to a time when boxing and the UFC were competing for popularity in the world of combat sports. White and Espinoza’s enmity has been particularly visible in public exchanges.
Both have used every opportunity to publicly duel, with White frequently criticizing boxing’s commercial tactics and Espinoza responding by emphasizing boxing’s rich heritage and ability to bring big gate receipts.
Espinoza’s Showtime Sports is reportedly rumored that they may still continue broadcasting occasional major PPV fights, but will have no more regular boxing events which is yet to be officially confirmed.
I can confirm that Showtime will not be continuing their boxing schedule, after 2024.
Following a number of conferences/calls across the pond over the past fortnight, I can attest that Showtime will be pulling the plug on boxing – after 37 years in the industry.
It should be…
— Raf (elusive2.0) (@elusiveraf) September 26, 2023
Even UFC President Dana White recently in a post-fight press conference of the Dana White’s Contender Series stated that “That’s incredibly unfortunate,” White sarcastically told MMA Junkie and other reporters. “Production of that show was fantastic. The guy who runs Showtime Boxing is a great human being. It’s unfortunate to hear this. F*ck Espinoza and it’s about time that sh*tty product is off the air”.
Dana White is known for taking shots at Stephen Espinoza, and we even saw that in a major fight card headlined by Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor back in 2017.
Stephen Espinoza shots on UFC and the recent success of Showtime sports
In response to these rumors, Espinoza emphasized the recent success of significant boxing events, which resulted in gate sales (ticket sales) of more than $20 million. With the upcoming Canelo Alvarez and Jermell Charlo fight, Showtime will have surpassed $20 million in gate receipts for the third time in the past six months.
The first event to reach that milestone featured Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia, and the second featured Errol Spence and Terence Crawford.
Espinoza took shots at the UFC organization by saying “Not all combat sports is the same. No disrespect to anyone, but there are levels to this. This event will generate a gate (money from ticket sales) of over $20 million. Our third $20 million+ gate in the last six months. To put that in perspective – the UFC has never done a $20 million gate in its entire history. We’ve done it three times since April”.
Stephen Espinoza: The UFC has never done a gate of $20M in its entire history. We’ve done it 3 times since April. #CaneloCharlopic.twitter.com/o5hTOg27OF
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 28, 2023
As each organization forges its own route to success, the world of combat sports continues to change. Stephen Espinoza’s uncompromising stance, as well as Showtime Sports’ astounding accomplishment in earning over $20 million in gate revenues, demonstrate the sport’s popularity.
Comparison between UFC and Showtime boxing events
This statement ignited the boxing vs. MMA equation once again. This time, it was Stephen Espinoza who was taking shots at the UFC. For comparison, UFC earned around $84 million in gate revenue with 11 cards up until now in 2023, while Showtime Sports earned $60 million+ with just three events in six months.
“This will be the third $20M live gate of the year for Showtime. UFC has none.” – Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza pic.twitter.com/zuWgVl6PKu
— Dan Canobbio (@DanCanobbio) September 27, 2023
Anyhow the future of Showtime Sports in major boxing matchups is certainly unsure as we wait for any official confirmation. While as fans we are guaranteed that both MMA and Boxing events will continue to provide exciting and interesting matchups in the future.