Dana White and Turki Alalshikh are shaking up the boxing world with a new competition. The UFC president and the head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority have joined forces to create something fresh in the sport.
TKO, the company that owns UFC and WWE, will lead the charge. They want to change how boxing works around the globe. Their plan includes a rating system, a divisional championship, and fights between the top boxers in each weight class.
This new setup might kick off with a bang. There's talk of a fight between Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez and Terence 'Bud' Crawford. If it happens, it could take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in September 2025. Turki Alalshikh is backing this potential matchup.
Canelo, the star from Guadalajara, Mexico, seems pretty happy about TKO's plans. He told CBS Sports:
"I think TKO is going to be the best thing for boxers, I'm pretty sure. I'm glad someone is looking out for the boxers because there are a lot of promoters who don't take them seriously. I think this is good for boxing and for the boxers."
The Mexican fighter, who's currently on a $400 million contract, also shared his thoughts with The Ring:
"I have a deal with Turki Alalshikh. We are going to work with them. I am excited. I like Dana White. I like Nick Khan and I like TKO. It's something new for me. I am very excited. I don't know how White can make boxing better. He is very focused on working and being very good at what he does in the UFC. I think we will have a good time with him."
TKO's approach borrows ideas from MMA. They've promised to transform boxing with their new system. Before any potential Crawford clash, Canelo will face William Scull in a middleweight unification fight.
This new competition could change the face of boxing as we know it. With big names like Canelo on board, it'll be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
