In a surprising twist, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed his return as the promoter for the much-anticipated mega-fight between boxing superstars Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. The announcement came during Saturday night’s UFC 316 event in New Jersey, where White addressed reporters and put an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the fight’s promotion.
White’s Return to the Spotlight
Speculation about White’s involvement in the fight began to swirl late last month when the UFC rescheduled its Noche event in Mexico. Originally set for September 13—Mexican Independence weekend—the event was moved to avoid a pay-per-view conflict with the Alvarez-Crawford bout. This move hinted at White’s potential return to the boxing promotion scene, and his recent confirmation has now put all doubts to rest.
“I’m promoting the fight,” White declared, clarifying his role despite earlier reports suggesting Saudi Arabia’s Sela had taken over the promotion. “I can’t remember the last time I spoke to Turki Alalshikh,” he added, referencing the Saudi boxing financier who had been rumored to be involved in the event’s organization.
Turmoil in the Promotion
In mid-May, Alalshikh’s team announced that they would provide updates on the fight’s promotion soon, while simultaneously revealing that White and his newly formed TKO Boxing promotion had been replaced by Sela. However, Sela, a Saudi-based entity, is not licensed to promote boxing events in the United States, which appears to have paved the way for White’s return.
The back-and-forth over the fight’s promotion has added another layer of intrigue to what is already one of the most highly anticipated bouts in recent boxing history. Both Alvarez and Crawford are four-division champions with storied careers, and their clash promises to be a monumental event for the sport.
Why This Fight Matters
Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s biggest superstar, has dominated multiple weight classes and continues to be a major draw in the sport. Terence Crawford, on the other hand, is widely regarded as one of the most skilled fighters of his generation, with an undefeated record and a reputation for dismantling opponents with precision and power.
The fight, scheduled for September 13, aligns with Mexican Independence weekend, a date traditionally reserved for high-profile boxing events. Alvarez, a Mexican icon, has headlined such events multiple times, and this bout promises to be no exception. Crawford, an American fighter, will look to cement his legacy by taking on one of the sport’s most formidable opponents.
What’s Next?
With White back at the helm, the promotion of the fight is expected to gain momentum. Fans can anticipate a flurry of announcements, including press conferences, undercard details, and promotional events leading up to the fight. White’s involvement also raises the possibility of cross-promotional opportunities between the UFC and boxing, given his dual role as the head of both organizations.
As the boxing world awaits further details, one thing is certain: the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight is shaping up to be a blockbuster event that will captivate fans and solidify the legacies of two of the sport’s greatest fighters.
Stay tuned for more updates as the fight date approaches and the promotion kicks into high gear.
