UFC CEO Dana White intends to be present when Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford potentially step into the ring for what could be the biggest boxing event of 2025.
Following UFC 316 on Saturday night, White dispelled rumors suggesting he was no longer part of promoting the Canelo vs. Crawford bout. These rumors emerged after his business associate, Turki Alalshikh—the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and a key financier for the new boxing initiative led by the UFC`s parent company, TKO Group Holdings—posted on social media that Sela would promote the event, broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view.
This social media post followed Alalshikh`s initial announcement that White would be the event`s promoter, launching the new partnership with TKO.
White affirmed his ongoing work on the Canelo vs. Crawford promotion and stated that his relationship with Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia remains robust.
“I’ll tell you what’s awesome,” White remarked when addressing the latest speculation about his role. “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 added,
“I’m promoting the fight [between Canelo and Crawford]. I’ll let you guys know when it’s time to let you know.”
Recent reports indicate the planned event date is September 13th, though the specific location is still undecided.
White anticipates that complete details about Canelo vs. Crawford—including date, location, venue, and other specifics—will be announced soon. He indicated he isn`t bothered by discussions happening on social media or elsewhere.
“I`m in my own little world,” White said. “I don`t pay attention to any of that shit. I know what`s going on, I know what we`re doing. I don`t really pay attention to that stuff. It doesn`t matter to me.”
Regarding his connection with Alalshikh, White insisted there has been no issue between them.
Although they may not converse daily, White is confident their relationship and collaboration are solid as they embark on this new venture, starting with Canelo vs. Crawford in September.
“We’re good,” White stated. “We’re very good.”
Alalshikh seemingly validated White`s statement, confirming on Twitter that White is indeed the promoter for Canelo vs. Crawford, with further announcements expected shortly.
“My brother Dana will promote this fight,” Alalshikh wrote on Sunday. “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.”
