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The biggest interview of 2024 brought together two iconic figures in media and entertainment: Joe Rogan and 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump. While the conversation covered a range of hot topics, including politics, sports, and culture, one question from Trump reignited an old debate in combat sports: “Can boxing make it?”
In his prime business years, Trump staged some of the era’s most electrifying fights at his Atlantic City venues, the Trump Plaza and the Trump Taj Mahal. During his presidency, he even hosted notable boxing champions and personalities at the White House, including Lennox Lewis, Deontay Wilder, and Sylvester Stallone, the latter during a historical pardon ceremony for Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion. Trump’s ties to boxing run deep, making his doubts about the sport’s current status even more significant.
Trump and Rogan’s Perspectives on Boxing’s Decline
Trump’s concern with boxing’s current state resonates with fans who have witnessed its popularity decline against the rapid rise of mixed martial arts (MMA), especially the UFC. Rogan, an expert in both MMA and boxing, agreed that boxing remains a cherished sport but acknowledged its struggles to maintain mainstream relevance. According to Trump, boxing has been eclipsed by the UFC, where high-stakes fights and powerful promotion fuel a steady surge in viewership.
Joe Rogan suggested that boxing’s issues stem, in part, from overly cautious matchmaking. Promoters often prioritize the protection of fighters’ records over potentially risky bouts, resulting in fewer of the high-stakes, star-studded matchups that fans crave. The sentiment from both Trump and Rogan was clear: boxing must evolve if it’s to regain its former glory.
Can Dana White and Saudi Arabia’s Influence Revive Boxing?
One promising development discussed in the interview involves UFC President Dana White’s partnership with Saudi Arabia to promote boxing. White has already proven that he understands how to create spectacle-driven events that captivate audiences. With Saudi Arabia’s financial backing, White could inject the same excitement and unpredictability into boxing that’s defined his career with the UFC.
According to Rogan, Saudi Arabia has shown a willingness to fund fights that U.S. and European promoters might hesitate to make. This no-holds-barred approach could see the return of the kinds of dangerous, controversial matchups that historically fueled boxing’s heyday.
As a recent example, Trump’s involvement in the September 2021 Holyfield vs. Belfort fight in Florida demonstrated how unpredictable matchups—though polarizing—can still capture audience attention. While purists criticized the bout, the event’s shock value was undeniable. Trump and Rogan both agree: with Dana White’s skill for crafting narratives and Saudi Arabia’s resources, boxing could see a new era where fights are made based on intrigue rather than risk-averse calculations.
Trump’s Nostalgia for the 15-Round Fights and Legendary Boxers
Reflecting on the era of 15-round fights, Trump expressed admiration for legendary fighters like James Toney, who moved across weight classes with ease. Toney’s career represents the kind of grit and adaptability that Trump and many fans believe has faded in today’s boxing landscape. These were fighters whose talent and toughness drew massive audiences, and the interview hinted at the possibility that a return to those roots could reinvigorate the sport.
Final Thoughts:
While MMA’s growth continues unabated, Trump’s question—“Can boxing make it?”—hasn’t gone unanswered. With Dana White and Saudi Arabia poised to disrupt the traditional boxing scene, there’s a palpable sense of hope for the sport’s revival. Both Rogan and Trump agree: if there’s one man capable of bringing boxing back into the limelight, it’s White.
For boxing purists and fans of combat sports, this could be the dawn of a new era where riskier, more compelling fights take center stage. And if the Trump-Rogan interview’s massive viewership is any indication, boxing might just have the momentum it needs to make a comeback.
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