The highly anticipated showdown between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford, originally scheduled for September 12 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, has reportedly been postponed—and the behind-the-scenes drama is as big as the fight itself. Not only has the date shifted, but UFC president Dana White and TKO Boxing are no longer the lead promoters, with Saudi-backed Sela now stepping in to take full control of the event.

Fight Date Moved, Conflict with UFC 320

The original fight date, September 12, was recently bumped to September 13—unfortunately landing on the same night as UFC 320. This scheduling clash created internal conflict within TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of both UFC and WWE. As a result, Dana White and TKO Boxing were effectively removed from their organizing roles.

Sela, a Saudi Arabian sports promotion company closely linked to Turki Alalshikh and the Riyadh Season initiative, has now assumed full promotional control.

Fight Details and Historic Stakes

Despite the reshuffle in promoters, the fight itself remains one of the biggest in recent boxing history. It will be contested at super middleweight with no rehydration clause—an important detail given Crawford is moving up from welterweight.

Canelo Álvarez will be defending The Ring Magazine super middleweight title. If Crawford wins, he will become the first male fighter in boxing history to be undisputed champion in three weight classes during the four-belt era—a feat that would cement his legacy as one of the greatest ever.

Dana White and the Future of TKO Boxing

This fight was initially planned as the high-profile launch of TKO Boxing, a new endeavor by Dana White and the TKO Group to enter the boxing business in partnership with Turki Alalshikh. However, with White and his team sidelined, questions now swirl around the future of TKO’s role in boxing promotion.

The decision highlights the increasing influence of Saudi Arabia in combat sports. Sela and Riyadh Season have already hosted several blockbuster fights, and their takeover of Canelo vs. Crawford marks another major win for their global sports ambitions.

Broadcast & Location Uncertain

While the fight was initially rumored to be streamed on Netflix, recent reports confirm it will now air via traditional Pay-Per-View platforms. The location, while still under discussion, could remain in the U.S., with Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York being considered. However, a last-minute shift to Saudi Arabia remains on the table, depending on logistics and sponsorship arrangements.

Canelo and Crawford’s Recent Form

Canelo Álvarez most recently defended his undisputed super middleweight titles against William Scull in May 2025. Terence Crawford, meanwhile, has not fought since August 2024, but remains undefeated and widely regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best in the sport.

Conclusion

While the Canelo vs. Crawford fight is still expected to happen, the politics surrounding its promotion tell a deeper story. Dana White’s removal signals a shift in boxing power, with Saudi Arabia tightening its grip on the sport. Whether this change is for better or worse remains to be seen—but for now, all eyes are on Riyadh as the new center of the boxing universe.