When Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford potentially step into the ring for what could be the biggest boxing match of 2025, UFC CEO Dana White expects to be right there alongside them.
Speaking after UFC 316 on Saturday night, White directly addressed and put to rest any circulating rumors that he was no longer involved in promoting the highly anticipated potential clash between Canelo and Crawford. Speculation had mounted after his business partner, Turki Alalshikh—who serves as the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and is the primary figure funding the new boxing venture headed by the UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings—made a social media post. Alalshikh`s post indicated that Sela would promote the event, with the card airing on DAZN pay-per-view.
This social media update appeared to contradict Alalshikh`s initial announcement, which had designated White as the promoter for this event, intended as the launching pad for the new partnership with TKO.
Despite the conflicting reports, White firmly promised that he is definitely still working on the Canelo vs. Crawford promotion and asserted that his relationship with Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia remains exceptionally strong.
Reacting to the latest whispers regarding his involvement, White shared his perspective on the boxing world:
“I’m going to tell you what’s awesome. 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 unequivocally confirmed his role:
“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 tentative date for the potential event is September 13th, though the specific location has not yet been decided or announced.
White anticipates that full, comprehensive details about Canelo vs. Crawford—covering the date, location, arena, and all other relevant information—will be officially unveiled in the near future. He also made it clear that he pays little attention to what is being discussed on social media or other platforms.
“I’m in my own little world,” White commented. “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.”
As for the state of his relationship with Alalshikh, White provided clear assurance that there has been absolutely no disagreement or “bump in the road” between them.
He noted that while they may not engage in daily phone calls, their relationship and partnership are solid and intact as they prepare to embark on this significant new venture together, starting with the potential Canelo vs. Crawford bout in September.
White simply stated:
“We’re good. We’re very good.”
Alalshikh publicly corroborated White`s statement, confirming via Twitter that White is indeed the promoter behind the potential Canelo vs. Crawford event, with further announcements expected shortly.
On Sunday, Alalshikh tweeted: “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.” This tweet reinforces Dana White`s central role in promoting what is being billed as the “biggest fight in boxing” as part of the Riyadh Season events and the TKO partnership.
