Dana White stole the spotlight at Thursday’s press conference for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs Terence Crawford, after clashing with a reporter over his new role in boxing promotion.
Alvarez, 35, will defend his WBA (Super), WBC, WBO and IBF super-middleweight titles this Saturday at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Crawford, 37, is making the bold leap up two weight divisions to challenge for the belts and attempt to become the first male fighter of the modern era to hold undisputed status in three weight classes.
The two champions were all smiles during the traditional face-off, exchanging words of mutual respect before promising victory.
Dana White was speaking ahead of the showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford
|GETTY
But the mood of the event shifted when the focus turned to White, who is promoting the blockbuster bout under his newly announced, Saudi-backed boxing venture.
Veteran boxing reporter Sean Zittel pressed White on whether his involvement in the sport would clash with the Muhammad Ali Act — a US law passed in 2000 designed to protect boxers’ rights and prevent monopolies.
White, who has called for the act to be revised or repealed, bristled at the question.
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“This is obviously a long discussion. If you want to talk about that then set up an interview. This isn’t about me,” White replied.
When Zittel pushed further, White abruptly shut him down: “You have a question for these two, no? Beat it.”
Critics of White’s approach argue that using the UFC’s exclusive-contract model in boxing would centralise power under one promoter and risk slashing fighters’ share of event revenues.
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Canelo Alvarez has admitted his fight with Terence Crawford is 'big' as the showdown approaches
| PAThe UFC currently does not fall under the Ali Act, allowing the company to control matchmaking and championship titles.
As the exchange grew heated, Alvarez jokingly chanted “fight, fight, fight,” drawing laughter from the 1,500 fans inside the arena — many of them waving Mexican flags in support of their champion.
“This fight for me is big,” Alvarez said once order was restored.
“One of the biggest fights of my career. It means a lot. It’s going to be a very tough fight.”
Crawford, who last fought 13 months ago when he became a four-division world champion by beating Israil Madrimov, promised to silence the doubters.
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Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez will fight in Las Vegas on Saturday night
| GETTY“I’m feeling great. I am ready to go shock the world,” he said. “This fight is going to be stamped in the history books.”
With two of boxing’s pound-for-pound best colliding in Las Vegas, anticipation is at fever pitch. Who comes out on top remains to be seen.