Dana White is making a significant entry into the boxing world, set to begin this September with what is anticipated to be one of the biggest fights in recent memory.
Despite Canelo Alvarez`s recent performance against William Scull, which some found uninspiring, anticipation for his next opponent remained high. Many viewed the Scull fight as merely a preliminary event before a truly monumental boxing match.
Indeed, boxing figurehead Turki Alalshikh did not disappoint. Following Saturday`s fight, he orchestrated a face-off in Riyadh between the undisputed super-middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez, and two-weight undisputed champion Terence Crawford.
TKO Boxing to Debut with Alvarez vs. Crawford
After the initial in-ring confrontation and the announcement of the date for Alvarez v Crawford, Turki Alalshikh provided further details on X (formerly Twitter). Although Dana White was not part of the initial segment, it was later confirmed that the event would mark the launch of TKO Boxing.
“We will deliver the fight of the century with @RiyadhSeason on Sept. 12 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium,” Alalshikh posted. “The legend @Canelo defends his @ringmagazine title vs. the great @terencecrawford.”
He added, “TV platform will be announced soon with big surprise. My brother @danawhite will promote this first TKO boxing event with me. It will be something crazy.”
Industry insiders speculate that the hinted TV platform could be Netflix. The streaming giant has previously been involved with boxing events like Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and currently airs the TKO Group`s WWE events globally. They are also set to broadcast the third fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in New York on July 11.
Terence Crawford Comments on Facing Canelo Alvarez
Following Canelo Alvarez`s decision victory, Terence Crawford entered the ring for an intense face-off with the fellow undisputed champion. The moment, which occurred after a Ring Magazine belt was presented, generated significant excitement among boxing fans.
Speaking later with Seconds Out, Crawford shared his perspective: “Canelo is the face of boxing, he is the best fight for Terence Crawford out there and the biggest fight for Terence Crawford out there. So that’s why Terence Crawford wants to take the opportunity to share the ring with another great.”
Regarding the upcoming bout, Crawford stated, “September 12 we are all going to see if the weight makes a difference or not… One fight at a time…” He also offered his analysis on Canelo`s recent performance, saying, “I don’t [think Canelo has slipped as a fighter], William was just doing a good job moving a lot and neutralizing his power punches.”
Crawford further commented on tactics used against Canelo in the past: “If you watch the styles that beat him, they didn’t move a lot. They moved a little bit but not as much as William Scull.”