Dana White Just Threw Everyone a Curveball on the Canelo-Crawford Mess

By Lewis Barnett 8 June, 2025 6 mins read 62 Views

Okay, so I thought I had this whole Canelo vs Crawford situation figured out. Boy, was I wrong.

Dana White just went and said he IS promoting the fight after all the back-and-forth nonsense we've been dealing with. And honestly? I'm starting to feel like we're all just along for this wild ride that nobody seems to be steering properly.

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The Saudi Shuffle That Had Us All Confused

Here's what happened (and trust me, I had to reread this three times): Turki Alalshikh - you know, the guy with all the Saudi money behind these massive fights - originally said Dana White would promote Canelo defending his undisputed super-middleweight titles against Crawford in September. Made sense. Big fight, big promoter, big venue at the Raiders' stadium with Netflix picking up the tab.

Then Alalshikh pulled a complete 180.

Suddenly it was going to be Sela promoting, pay-per-view instead of Netflix, and maybe not even in Vegas anymore. I'm sitting here thinking "What the hell just happened?" Because that's a pretty massive shift for a fight this big.

White's "I Don't Give a Damn" Response

When reporters cornered White after UFC 316 about Alalshikh's comments, his response was pure Dana: "I'm promoting the fight. I'll let you guys know when it's time to let you guys know."

Classic White move - basically telling everyone to chill out while he handles business behind the scenes.

But then he got a bit more colorful: "Listen, when we're at work in UFC headquarters, I'm in my own little world, man. I don't pay attention to any of that stuff. I know what's going on, I know what we're doing, I don't really pay attention to that stuff."

The TKO Partnership Nobody's Talking About Enough

Here's the thing that's getting lost in all this drama - TKO Holdings (they own UFC and WWE now) signed this multi-year deal with Alalshikh to create a boxing promotion. We're talking about a UFC-style boxing league plus two super-fights every year.

The Canelo-Crawford fight was supposed to be the grand opening act for this whole partnership. That's why White's involvement makes sense, even when everything else seems chaotic.

Poor Alalshikh Can't Make Up His Mind

So Alalshikh owns Ring Magazine now (because why not?), and he told his own publication that the fight date might change. Then he started floating ideas about moving it to New York or LA instead of that gorgeous $1.5 billion Raiders stadium that seats 65,000 people.

I mean, come on. That venue was perfect for this kind of spectacle.

The whole thing created massive confusion because suddenly we're hearing about Riyadh Season banners and pay-per-view deals, making it look like White and Netflix got kicked to the curb.

Where These Fighters Actually Stand

While all this promotional drama plays out, let's remember what we're actually here for. Canelo, who's 34 now, just beat William Scull back in May to get his 168lb undisputed throne back. That was part of his four-fight deal with Alalshikh, so the Saudi connection runs deep.

Crawford's 37 and hasn't fought since moving up to 154lb to snag the WBA title from Israil Madrimov last August. Guy's been waiting for this payday, and honestly, he deserves it after the career he's had.

The fighters seem ready. It's just the suits who can't figure out who's running the show.

But if White's track record tells us anything, when he says he's promoting something, it usually happens. Even if the path there looks like a complete disaster from the outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the risks involved in professional boxing?

Professional boxing is a contact sport and as such, it carries risks. This includes acute injuries like cuts, bruises broken bones and head trauma as well as chronic conditions such as concussions or neurological disorders. Proper training, safety equipment, and adherence to boxing regulations help mitigate risks, but they can never be fully eliminated. Boxing professionally requires you to accept and understand these risks.

How important is mental toughness to professional boxing?

Mental toughness is as vital as physical conditioning in professional boxing. The sport demands resilience, focus, the ability to handle pressure, and the psychological fortitude to overcome adversity. Mental preparation includes visualization, stress management, and developing a mindset that is ready to face the challenges in the ring. Without mental toughness in the ring, boxers may not be able perform to their full potential.

What is needed to start training as a professional boxer?

In order to begin professional boxing training, you must be physically fit, have discipline and be willing to learn. Initial training includes learning the fundamentals of boxing, including footwork, stance and defensive tactics. You should join a reputable gym with trainers who are experienced and understand the nuances in professional boxing competition. Beginner boxers are usually subjected to a strict regimen of technique drills, conditioning and sparring before they consider competing.

How long is it usually required to become a professional fighter?

The time to become professional boxer can differ greatly. The time it takes to become a professional boxer can vary widely. It all depends on an individual's skill level at the start, their ability to adapt to the sport and the quality training they receive. On average, it could take several years of dedicated training and successful amateur experience before one is ready to turn professional. Some people may develop more quickly while others will take more time.

What is required for a professional boxer to begin?

If you are just starting out in professional boxing, essential equipment for beginners includes boxing gloves and hand wraps. Also, a mouthguard is necessary, as well as headgear, proper footwear, and a mouthguard. For technical training, a heavy bag, a speed bag, a double-end bag and other aids are essential. Quality equipment is important for safety and durability. Subpar gear increases the risk of injury.

How important is physical training in professional boxing?

Physical fitness is essential for professional boxing. The sport demands a high level of strength, speed and endurance. Professional boxers must engage in a tailored fitness program that includes aerobic and anaerobic exercises, strength and resistance training, and flexibility workouts. The ability of a boxer to train and perform effectively is compromised without a superior level of physical conditioning.

What are some of the most important components in a boxer’s training regime?

A boxer’s routine is made up of several main components. They include technical skill building, tactical drills and strength and conditioning. Sparring and mental training are also included. While tactical drills are used to develop fighting strategies and improve defensive moves, technique-focused workouts focus on improving punch accuracy. Sparring is a great way to gain practical experience. Conditioning exercises improve athleticism. Mental training helps build confidence, focus, resilience and resilience.

Statistics

An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.

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How To

How to lose weight before a boxing match

It is important to be disciplined when managing your weight in advance of a fight. Set up a diet plan that emphasizes lean protein, complex carbohydrates and hydration, while reducing high-sodium, high-fat food. You can control water weight by gradually reducing your water intake and increasing it several weeks before a fight. Increase your intensity during workouts and incorporate sauna sessions, if necessary. Always prioritize safety when attempting to lose weight.