The Dana White-Tito Ortiz boxing match we discussed earlier today has apparently been called off after Ortiz failed to show up for yesterday’s event weigh-ins. And according to a comment Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Keith Kizer made to The Fight Network, a make-up date probably won’t be announced.

White and Ortiz were supposed to weigh in yesterday for today’s bout, which was granted to Ortiz as part of last year’s contract negotiations to rejoin the UFC. White, the UFC’s president and formerly Ortiz’s manager, is a one-time amateur boxer and agreed to the exhibition bout last year.

Since then, the event has been plagued by a delays, largely because the NSAC demanded that they oversee the bout. With the fight finally regulated and the participants licensed, the much-hyped event seemed to have finally had the green light for this weekend.

However, that all changed to when Ortiz apparently failed to weigh in at the predetermined time with no explanation why.

From The Fight Network:



On March 5, the NSAC had voted 3-1 to allow the exhibition bout. World-renowned boxing referee Jay Nady has been assigned to officiate, says NSAC Executive Keith Kizer; while the venue’s resident Octagon had been removed and replaced with a boxing ring for today’s event. Kizer had watched White spar one week ago and gave final approval that day. Both applicants had agreed to wear head gear and use standard 10 ounce gloves, says Kizer. “I’m not going to recommend this bout to the Commission again,” Kizer said today. “I’m very surprised Mr. Ortiz didn’t show up without as much as a phone call. It was a waste of me and my staff’s time.” Kizer says that White had told him he’d received a voicemail from Ortiz two days prior saying he would “let him off the hook” but believed that to be pre-fight banter and that the bout was still on. Kizer says no disciplinary action will be pursued.

Given this latest development and the already-played-out hype of the event, few fans probably care if they ever see the event happen. Count me in that camp.

For the full report, visit The Fight Network.



* * * *

It’s been confirmed that the boxing match never took place.

And, of course, the NSAC is none too pleased. (I’m guessing White and the UFC are far from happy, as well.)

Wrestling Observer posted this report:

