Press Conference Tensions
In a tense exchange at the final press conference for the highly anticipated match between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, Canelo took issue with HBO analyst Max Kellerman’s praise of UFC president Dana White. Kellerman suggested that White was on the brink of revolutionizing boxing by introducing a UFC-like model supported by alterations to the Ali Act. As he spoke, the crowd began to boo him, reflecting a stark shift in sentiment toward his commentary, once considered credible and insightful.
Kellerman’s Bold Claims
Kellerman described Dana White as
“the greatest combat sports promoter of my lifetime,”
explaining his belief that boxing’s decline in popularity contrasts strikingly with the UFC’s rise — successes he attributes to White’s vision. He boldly stated that White could establish a prominent framework for boxing comparable to that of the NBA, hinting at a future where boxing might experience a renaissance similar to the one the UFC had.
Canelo’s Defense of Boxing
As Kellerman maintained his stance amidst crowd backlash, Canelo interjected, passionately defending boxing’s relevance.
“Boxing is always big, bigger than it’s ever been!”
he stated, rejecting the notion that the sport had diminished in stature. Rather, he suggested that while boxing could grow, it remains a powerful entity in its own right.
Crawford, sitting alongside Canelo, echoed the sentiment, affirming Canelo’s claims by stating,
“No lies, no lies.”
Their combined affirmation sent a clear message that many in the audience and boxing community resonated with — boxing possesses its own rich history and doesn’t require validation from figures like White.
Shifting the Tone
Kellerman attempted to shift the tone by joking about Canelo’s English. However, when he probed again about White’s potential impact on boxing, Canelo reiterated his respect for other combat sports while firmly declaring,
“Boxing is boxing,”
further illustrating the division between opinions on White’s influence over the sport.
Broader Implications
This exchange underscored the mounting tensions surrounding White’s ambitions to reform the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act through his initiative, TKO. While his plans may promise centralization and structure, many within the boxing world remain wary, fearing that such changes could endanger fighter pay and compromise independence. Canelo’s resolute declaration highlighted that the essence of boxing is steadfast and doesn’t rely on external figures for its legitimacy.
The backdrop of this discussion hints at broader debates about the direction of boxing in an era where mixed martial arts is gaining widespread attention. With support from Crawford and the media, Alvarez’s assertion that
“Boxing is boxing”
served as a powerful reminder of the sport’s enduring legacy and enduring fanbase.
