Getty Images

Dana White’s Boxing Ambitions Take a Hit as Saudis Control Canelo-Crawford Superfight

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Aldon | Last updated May 19, 2025 4:46 PM ET

When Dana White dropped news that he would be producing and operating the highly anticipated superfight in boxing between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, fans were curious to see how TKO Boxing, his joint venture with Turki Alalshikh, would handle the event. Many critics, such as former boxing legend and promoter Oscar De La Hoya, believed that White’s handling of the UFC would not translate to the well-established promotional traditions of boxing. It seemed that Alalshikh is the only big promoter willing to play ball with Dana.

Now, in a sudden turn of events, UFC president Dana White has been removed as the lead promoter for the highly anticipated boxing superfight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh confirmed that Sela for Riyadh Season will now oversee the event, marking a dramatic shift in control just months after White was announced as the face of the promotion under the TKO Boxing banner.

We have confirmed the promoter for Canelo v Crawford will be Sela for Riyadh Season. The broadcaster we have not decided yet but the date will be Saturday 13th September. More details soon …
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) May 18, 2025

The fight, initially slated for September 12 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, has been rescheduled to September 13—the same night as UFC Noche. The venue has also been thrown into uncertainty, with Allegiant Stadium no longer available due to a college football game, leaving Los Angeles, New York, or Texas as potential alternatives.

The snub is a rare embarrassment for White, who has dominated the MMA world but struggled to gain footing in boxing. His previous forays, including the ill-fated Zuffa Boxing venture, failed to materialize, and this latest setback is a continuation of his challenges in bridging the two sports.

As of now, White has remained silent on the issue, leaving fans to wonder whether this marks the end of his boxing ambitions or if TKO Boxing will simply launch its first event with another future marquee bout.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: