How Is American Boxing Changing?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 2:05 AM ET

The landscape of American boxing is changing, as new players enter the space.

Despite holding some of the sport’s biggest names, Top Rank remains without a full-time U.S. broadcaster. Recent rumors suggest potential interest from NBC or Starz, but no deal has materialized. While PBC has a multi-year deal with Amazon Prime, the relationship has been criticized for its sporadic nature. Amazon does not provide a production budget. Meanwhile, DAZN’s relationship with Golden Boy Promotions officially expired on December 31, although talks continue.

In response, others have filled the void. Dana White’s new promotion, Zuffa Boxing, officially launches on January 23: a long-term media rights deal with Paramount+ and CBS. Meanwhile, Riyadh Season has become the primary financier for boxing’s biggest bouts, as boxing continues to develop.

Implications

For the first time in modern history, the traditional (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO) is facing a threat. Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing has already signaled its intention to launch its own internal championship belts, much like the UFC. This could lead to a two-tier sport. On one side, the “legacy” world of traditional rankings; on the other, a “league” model where the promotion is the authority. If Zuffa creates a “Zuffa World Champion,” fans might stop caring about who the IBF champion is, especially if the Zuffa champion is fighting the best talent.

Zuffa’s model is moving away from the expensive, $80 single-night PPV toward a streaming model. Between the Paramount/Zuffa deal (12 events a year) and the Amazon/PBC deal, the goal is to make boxing “destination TV” again. For fans, the “cost of entry” to boxing is shifting from high one-time fees to multiple monthly subscriptions.

The rise of Zuffa Boxing is already causing a stir regarding the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. The original act was designed to keep promoters and managers separate to protect fighters. However, if Zuffa operates like the UFC—where the organization essentially manages the “league”—it challenges the very spirit of that.

YouTube: UFC

The Vision

“I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience. There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports,” Dana White

“This partnership with Paramount reinforces our vision to redefine the way viewers consume boxing. More fight fans will now have access to watch some of the most exciting boxers around. We have seen the proof that the appetite is there, this is the future for live boxing coverage and will ensure the sport continues to thrive,” Turki Alalshikh

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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