Sport

Dana White’s Heated Confrontation at Canelo vs Crawford Press Conference

2025-09-12

Author: Ying

Dana White's Fiery Clash Steals Spotlight

At a press conference for the highly anticipated boxing showdown between Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Terence Crawford, UFC chief Dana White found himself in a heated exchange with a reporter. This dramatic moment nearly overshadowed the excitement surrounding the super-fight set for this Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Super-Fight Showdown

Canelo Alvarez, 35, will defend his WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, and IBF super-middleweight titles against 37-year-old Crawford, who aims to make history by becoming the first male boxer to hold undisputed titles across three different weight classes.

Tensions Rise Over Controversial Topics

The atmosphere, initially filled with mutual respect and anticipation, shifted dramatically when questions turned to White's controversial new role in boxing. As chair of the proceedings, White faced inquiries about the Muhammad Ali Act, a critical law intended to protect boxer rights. His frustrations boiled over, leading to a terse exchange.

"If you want to talk about that then set up an interview. This isn't about me," White snapped, dismissing the reporter. As tensions escalated, Canelo joined in the fray, encouraging onlookers to chant, "fight, fight, fight!"

The Future of Boxing in White's Hands?

White is advocating for changes to the Ali Act to benefit his new boxing ventures, despite critics warning it could lead to monopolistic practices and restrict fighter earnings. Many fear that the UFC's model for boxing could threaten athletes' financial stability, with boxers potentially making a smaller cut from event revenues.

Alvarez and Crawford: The Respectful Rivals

Despite the drama surrounding White, both Alvarez and Crawford showed respect towards each other, wrapping up their tête-à-tête with a nod and handshake. Crawford, boasting an impressive record of 41 wins with 31 knockouts, first captured a world title in 2014 and has unified multiple divisions since.

Broadcasting History in the Making

This epic encounter will be aired globally on Netflix, potentially reaching over 300 million subscribers, marking White’s inaugural foray into boxing promotion alongside Saudi Arabian partner Turki Alalshikh. With Alvarez set to earn a staggering $150 million purse, his endorsement of boxing’s stature couldn’t be clearer: "Boxing has always been big. Don’t say boxing is not big enough."

A New Era of Boxing?

As the hype continues, many are curious if White's new partnerships will rejuvenate boxing, which has faced challenges in recent years. With a blend of fierce competition and underlying conflicts, Saturday’s event is more than just a fight; it’s a pivotal moment for the future of the sport.