UFC CEO Dana White confirmed he plans to be fully involved when Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford potentially step into the ring for what could be 2025`s biggest boxing match. He also took the opportunity to squash rumors suggesting a falling out with his business associate, Turki Alalshikh.
Following UFC 316 on Saturday night, White addressed speculation about his reduced involvement in promoting Canelo vs. Crawford. These rumors stemmed from a social media post by Turki Alalshikh, who is the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and the primary financial backer for the new boxing venture led by the UFC`s parent company, TKO Group Holdings. Alalshikh`s post stated that Sela would promote the event, which would air on DAZN pay-per-view.
This social media update contrasted with Alalshikh`s initial announcement, where he named White as the promoter for the event intended to launch the new partnership with TKO.
White firmly stated that he is still actively working on the Canelo vs. Crawford fight and emphasized that his relationship with Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia remains exceptionally strong.
Reacting to the latest rumors, White commented on the distinct nature of boxing promotions compared to MMA: “There’s a lot of f*cked-up things about boxing, but they don’t say shit. Nobody talks. It’s the most amazing thing. If we sign a deal, I’ve got to f*cking get out my phone quick [and announce it], because 9,000 people will be out there talking about it. These guys don’t talk.” He reiterated his role, adding, “I’m promoting the fight [between Canelo and Crawford]. I’ll let you guys know when it’s time to let you know.”
The most recent information suggests the fight is planned for September 13th, although the location has not yet been finalized.
White anticipates that complete details regarding Canelo vs. Crawford, including the exact date, location, venue, and more, will be announced soon. He expressed unconcern about discussions happening on social media or elsewhere, stating, “I’m in my own little world. I don’t pay attention to any of that stuff. I know what’s going on, I know what we’re doing. It doesn’t matter to me.”
Concerning his relationship with Alalshikh, White guaranteed there have been no issues between them.
While they may not communicate daily, White is confident in his relationship and partnership with Alalshikh as they embark on this new venture together, starting with the September Canelo vs. Crawford event.
“We’re good,” White affirmed. “We’re very good.”
Alalshikh echoed this sentiment, taking to Twitter to confirm that White is indeed the promoter behind Canelo vs. Crawford and that further announcements about the fight are imminent. On Sunday, Alalshikh wrote, “My brother Dana will promote this fight. It is the fight of Riyadh Season, and we have a deal with TKO to promote it and it will the biggest fight in boxing, and tomorrow I think I will tell the details and the platform and the place for this fight, me and and Dana.”
Marcus Blakely