Big Hits, Bigger Bonuses: Should Boxing Introduce a ‘Performance of the Night’ Award?

Boxing is a sport built on moments—the knockouts that make headlines, the wars that turn unknown fighters into overnight stars. But while those moments are celebrated by fans, the fighters delivering them often leave with little more than a handshake and a pat on the back.

Meanwhile, in MMA, standout performances don’t just earn applause—they earn cash.

The UFC’s “Performance of the Night” bonus has become a staple of the sport, rewarding fighters who produce the most electrifying knockouts, submissions, or all-out wars. It’s a simple but effective system—put on a show, get paid extra.

So here’s the question: should boxing follow suit? Is this something we can expect Dana White to introduce with his new boxing promotion?

Would a ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus give fighters a reason to go for the kill and deliver unforgettable fights? Or would it encourage recklessness, making an already dangerous sport even riskier?

The Case for Performance Bonuses

Let’s be honest—boxing needs more action.

Too many fights, especially on undercards, feel like forgettable sparring sessions. Fighters coast to points wins, play it safe, and sometimes even seem content to hear the final bell instead of chasing a finish. A “Performance of the Night” bonus could change that.

• It incentivizes excitement – If fighters know there’s an extra $50,000 or $100,000 on the line for delivering the night’s best performance, we’re more likely to see barnburners instead of chess matches.

• It motivates undercard fighters – Headliners get the big paydays, but for undercard fighters, a bonus could be life-changing. A $50,000 bonus could be more than their actual fight purse, giving them a reason to take risks and put on a show.

• It rewards fighters who entertain – Right now, the best performers don’t always get rewarded. A fighter could dominate an opponent and still walk away with the same paycheck as someone who just edged out a dull split decision. A bonus ensures the most exciting performances don’t go unnoticed.

MMA has already shown that this works. The UFC’s “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” awards have created legendary moments, with fighters emptying the tank in pursuit of that extra paycheck.

So why hasn’t boxing jumped on this yet?

The Danger of Encouraging Recklessness

Because let’s not kid ourselves—boxing isn’t MMA.

In MMA, fighters can win a fight in multiple ways—knockouts, submissions, ground control. A boxer? They have two choices: outpoint their opponent or knock them out. If you dangle a bonus in front of them for “excitement,” you’re essentially telling them to swing for the fences.

That’s a problem.

• Reckless brawling could replace smart boxing – Boxing is called “The Sweet Science” for a reason. The best fighters don’t just throw bombs—they think, they adapt, they strategize. If everyone’s chasing a bonus, do we lose that skill element?

• Increased risk of injuries – More wild exchanges mean more damage. Fighters could take unnecessary punishment trying to impress the judges, leading to shorter careers and long-term health issues.

• Could favor knockout artists over technicians – A slick defensive fighter who dominates a fight with skill and ring IQ might never win a performance bonus. Would that push boxers to change their styles just to get noticed?

We’ve already seen what happens when fighters throw caution to the wind—some of the greatest warriors in the sport, from Arturo Gatti to Joe Frazier, paid a heavy price later in life for their brutal, fan-friendly styles.

If a "Performance of the Night" bonus is introduced, does that just create more fighters willing to sacrifice their long-term health for short-term financial gain?

Is There a Middle Ground?

Maybe boxing doesn’t need to copy MMA’s system, but instead, adapt it.

What if performance bonuses were introduced, but with safety measures in place?

• Bonuses for dominance, not just knockouts – Instead of only rewarding wild brawls or brutal knockouts, bonuses could go to fighters who put on masterclasses—whether that’s a flawless technical performance or a dramatic finish.

• Set limits on frequency – Fighters shouldn’t feel like they have to go for a bonus every fight. Perhaps bonuses are reserved for major events, not every single card.

• Health screenings for recipients – If a fighter wins a performance bonus for an all-out war, there should be extra medical checks to ensure they aren’t suffering from long-term damage.

The reality is, boxing is already dangerous. Fighters put their lives on the line every time they step in the ring. If a performance bonus is introduced, it has to be done in a way that rewards excitement without encouraging unnecessary risk.

So, Should Boxing Introduce Performance Bonuses?

The idea is tempting. Imagine a fighter who’s making $20,000 for a fight suddenly walking away with an extra $50,000 because they delivered a fight-of-the-year contender. Imagine an underdog getting the bonus and turning it into life-changing money.

But at what cost?

Would a “Performance of the Night” award be boxing’s way of rewarding greatness? Or would it turn an already brutal sport into an even riskier gamble?