Max Kellerman criticizes boxing sanctioning bodies

Broadcaster Max Kellerman has expressed intense criticism of professional boxing's major sanctioning bodies, stating he has zero respect for any of the four primary organizations. Speaking on 'Ring Champs' with Ak and Barak, Kellerman noted that his disdain for the current championship system dates back to the 1999 controversial draw between Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.

Kellerman, who recently partnered with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, argued that the proliferation of various belts allows promoters to market fighters who are not truly the best in their weight classes. He described these titles as promotional tools rather than true indicators of supremacy. He further suggested that this fragmentation has diminished the sport's mainstream appeal in the United States.

While describing the issues within the sport, Kellerman clarified that the sanctioning bodies are not the 'cancer' itself, but rather a 'symptom of the cancer.' He revealed that he has avoided mentioning any of the organizations by name on air for nearly 25 years, a practice that began during his tenure at HBO.