UFC CEO Dana White intends to be fully involved in the anticipated boxing showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, potentially the biggest fight of 2025.
Following UFC 316 on Saturday, White addressed and dismissed speculation circulating after his partner, Turki Alalshikh (chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and key funder of TKO Group Holdings` new boxing venture), appeared to suggest on social media that Sela would handle promotion and DAZN PPV would air the event.
This social media post seemed to contradict Alalshikh`s prior announcement naming White as the promoter for the fight, which was set to launch the new TKO partnership.
White insisted he remains actively involved in the Canelo-Crawford promotion and affirmed that his relationship with Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia remains strong and intact.
Responding to the latest rumors regarding his participation, White commented on the boxing world`s relative silence compared to MMA. “There’s a lot of messed-up things about boxing,” White stated, “but they don’t say anything. Nobody talks. It’s the most amazing thing. If we sign a deal [in UFC], I’ve got to get out my phone quickly and announce it, because 9,000 people will be out there talking about it. These guys don’t talk.”
“I am promoting the fight [between Canelo and Crawford],” he added. “I`ll inform you all when the time is right.”
The most recent update suggested the event would take place on September 13, though the specific location has yet to be finalized.
White anticipates that comprehensive details about the Canelo vs. Crawford event, including the date, location, venue, and all other specifics, will be revealed soon. He expressed unconcern regarding discussions on social media or elsewhere.
“I live in my own little bubble,” White said. “I don`t pay attention to any of that stuff. I understand what`s happening, I know what actions we are taking. I genuinely don`t focus on those things. They are irrelevant to me.”
Regarding his rapport with Alalshikh, White guaranteed there have been no difficulties between them.
While they may not communicate daily, White is confident their relationship and collaboration are solid as they prepare to embark on this new joint venture, commencing with the Canelo vs. Crawford bout in September.
“We are in a good place,” White confirmed. “We are very good.”
Alalshikh evidently concurs, as he took to Twitter to confirm White`s definitive role as the promoter for Canelo vs. Crawford, with further announcements expected shortly.
“My brother Dana will promote this fight,” Alalshikh tweeted on Sunday. “It is the fight of Riyadh Season, and we have an agreement with TKO to promote it, and it will be the biggest fight in boxing. Tomorrow, I believe, I will disclose the particulars, including the platform and location for this fight, along with Dana.”
