The boxing world is abuzz as Turki Alalshikh, the influential chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and a key figure behind Riyadh Season, has clarified recent confusion surrounding the highly anticipated clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
While earlier comments had sparked speculation that Dana White’s UFC influence might be pushed aside in favor of a Saudi-backed promoter, Alalshikh has now confirmed White remains at the forefront of the event, scheduled for September 13, 2025.
Alalshikh had confidently stated, “My brother Dana will promote this fight. It is the fight of Riyadh Season, and we have a deal with TKO to promote it and it will the biggest fight in boxing,” assuring fans that more information would be provided on “timing, platform, and location” imminently.
This followed a shift in messaging from May, when Alalshikh had mentioned Sela, a Saudi promotional outfit, as potentially taking the reins of the event and floated a Netflix deal as a broadcasting option.
Complicating matters further, the date of the bout was reportedly moved from September 12 to September 13 due to a college football game scheduled at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the original venue.
Alternative locations such as New York and Los Angeles have since entered discussions, raising concerns that the UFC’s UFC 320 event – scheduled for that same weekend – could create conflict over logistics and promotion.
Dana White addresses the controversy
Amid the swirl of uncertainty, Dana White took the opportunity to set the record straight during the UFC 316 post-fight press conference. Dismissing claims of his removal from the promotion, White said, “I’m promoting the fight. I’ll let you guys know when it’s time to let you guys know.”
He then took a jab at boxing’s culture of secrecy, adding, “There’s a lot of fckedup things about boxing, but they don’t say s***. … If we sign a deal I’ve got to f**king get out my phone quick … These guys don’t talk.
“I’m in my own little world … I know what we’re doing, I don’t really pay attention to that stuff… We’re good. We’re very good.”
White’s continued involvement not only keeps UFC’s promotional powerhouse in play but could significantly boost viewership and pay-per-view interest. Industry observers have noted that the bout may command a higher price tag than Canelo’s recent $70 PPVs, possibly pushing into the $90-$100 range. However, such pricing is yet to be confirmed.
While there were early rumors of Netflix potentially hosting the bout, more recent reports suggest that a traditional pay-per-view route is more likely, possibly involving DAZN or another established partner. What remains certain is that the fight will be branded under the Riyadh Season banner, continuing Saudi Arabia’s aggressive expansion into global combat sports.
The bout itself carries historical implications. Canelo Alvarez (63-2-2) will defend his super middleweight crown against Terence Crawford (41-0), who is moving up two weight divisions. If Crawford wins, he would become the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion in three separate weight classes.
With Alalshikh reaffirming Dana White’s central role and logistics falling into place, the countdown to September 13 begins. The Canelo vs. Crawford showdown is poised to be not just the fight of the year-but perhaps the fight of a generation.
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