Dipping his toe into the boxing world with Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford tonight, UFC leader Dana White has come under fire as a result.
Promoting tonight’s blockbuster between Canelo Alvarez and the unbeaten Terence Crawford, Octagon boss Dana White will be front and center with the super middleweight crown up for grabs.
And as part of a busy weekend for the veteran promoter, Noche UFC 3 also takes place, with San Antonio playing host to the Octagon.
However, off the back of his bow in boxing, White has seen one of his latest claims called into question by another combat sports magnate.
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Dana White’s boxing claim called into question by Eddie Hearn
Front and center alongside Saudi royal adviser Turki Alalshikh at Allegiant Stadium tonight, White hit the headlines this week, boasting about his experience in the boxing industry.
Pointing to his involvement in the historic pairing of Floyd Mayweather and Octagon icon Conor McGregor back in 2017, White made the claim that he was a part of two of the biggest gates in boxing history, given his involvement in Canelo’s fight with Crawford.
Hitting back at those claims, Matchroom Boxing leader Eddie Hearn described Mayweather’s professional clash with McGregor as a mere exhibition and pointed to Alalshikh’s involvement in tonight’s bout.
“One of them was (Floyd) Mayweather, (Conor) McGregor, I mean, that’s not one of the biggest fights in boxing,” Hearn told IFL TV. “That’s an exhibition fight as far as I’m concerned.
“And Canelo (Alvarez) against (Terence) Crawford isn’t even his (Dana White’s) fight,” Hearn explained. “It’s Turki Alalshikh’s fight. And he got invited to be the promoter. So, I’m not sure.
“…I don’t think we’re going to be going backwards and forwards, he also said he likes me a lot, and the feeling is mutual. I want the competition.”
Dana White reveals extra bonuses on Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford card
While both Canelo and Crawford are in line for a lucrative post-fight bonus depending on the result of their clash, White has also offered an added incentive to the event’s undercard.
In a special announcement overnight, the long-time UFC leader revealed a post-fight bonus is also on the line for combatants competing on the night’s undercard.
In line with post-fight bonuses offered to Octagon stars, White revealed that a special Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonus will be on the line for undercard fighters.
However, in what may ruffle some feathers with his UFC roster, the sum on offer is quite sizable compared to what they are offered for the same accolades.