Dana White fiery exchange with reporter has taken center stage during what was meant to be a smooth press conference for one of boxing’s biggest events of the year. The UFC president, now stepping into the world of boxing promotion, made headlines with a sharp rebuke to a journalist just days before Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford collide in a historic clash at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
This weekend’s fight already carried enormous weight, with Canelo putting his WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, and IBF super-middleweight titles on the line against Crawford. But Dana White fiery exchange with reporter Sean Zittel added a whole new layer of drama, overshadowing the usual back-and-forth between fighters and stealing the spotlight ahead of Saturday night’s bout.
Read more about the fight on BBC Sport.
The Tense Vegas Press Conference
In front of a packed and partisan pro-Canelo crowd of around 1,500 fans at the T-Mobile Arena, the press conference started in familiar fashion. Mexican flags were waving, chants of “Canelo! Canelo!” filled the arena, and the fighters displayed a mix of mutual respect and quiet confidence.
But when the attention turned to Dana White and his new role in boxing promotion, things heated up quickly. Questions about the Muhammad Ali Act — a 2000 law designed to protect boxers’ rights and prevent monopolistic practices — sparked White’s irritation.
“This is obviously a long discussion,” White responded sharply. “If you want to talk about that then set up an interview. This isn’t about me.”
When reporter Sean Zittel pressed further, White delivered the line that immediately went viral:
“You have a question for these two, no? Beat it.”
Dana White fiery exchange with reporter became the talking point of the night, with social media clips spreading rapidly and fans debating whether White’s tone was justified.
Why Dana White’s Role in Boxing Matters
Dana White is not just chairing this event — he’s spearheading a major Saudi-backed move into boxing promotion. His aim is to modernize and streamline the sport’s fractured landscape, similar to how he built the UFC into a global powerhouse.
However, critics argue that White’s model could create a monopoly, with fighters locked into restrictive contracts and earning a smaller share of the event revenue — similar to criticisms levied against UFC fighter pay. The reporter’s questions about the Muhammad Ali Act cut right to this controversy, which explains why White may have been quick to shut it down.
Still, Dana White fiery exchange with reporter has sparked fresh debates about the future of boxing and whether this new partnership will benefit fighters or further centralize power.
Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford Stay Focused
While White’s comments stole the headlines, Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford did their best to keep the attention on the fight itself.
“This fight for me is big. One of the biggest fights in my career. It means a lot. It’s going to be very top,” Canelo said, soaking up the love from his fans.
Crawford, meanwhile, appeared unfazed by the pro-Canelo crowd. “I’m feeling great. I am ready to go shock the world,” he said, even riling up fans by shouting out to his “Latino fans.”
Crawford, who has a record of 41 wins with 31 knockouts, is attempting to become the first male boxer in modern history to become undisputed champion in three weight divisions — a feat that would cement his place among the all-time greats.
A Fight with Global Reach
Saturday’s bout will be broadcast globally on Netflix, potentially reaching over 300 million subscribers. It is the first major boxing event promoted by Dana White alongside Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, marking a new era for the sport.
White has called this partnership a game-changer, saying it will “save boxing.” But Canelo was quick to dismiss the notion that boxing ever needed saving.
“Hey, boxing was always bigger, bigger and big. Don’t say boxing is not big enough. You know how big is boxing,” Alvarez said, defending the sport’s legacy.
A Night That Could Define Boxing’s Future
Dana White fiery exchange with reporter may not have been the storyline organizers wanted heading into fight week, but it has undeniably added intrigue. Fans are now tuning in not just for the historic clash between Canelo and Crawford but also to watch how White’s entry into boxing plays out in real time.
As Saturday night approaches, anticipation is at a fever pitch. Canelo is fighting to prove that he remains boxing’s biggest star, while Crawford is aiming to shock the world and make history. And with Dana White in the spotlight, this fight has implications that could shape the business of boxing for years to come.
Learn more about the Saudi investment in boxing.
