WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman claimed that Dana White and his promotion company TKO attempted to unsettle Canelo Alvarez in the lead-up to his September showdown with Terence Crawford. Speaking to Claro Sports, Sulaiman detailed a series of actions he said were aimed at knocking the Mexican superstar out of his stride. Sulaiman Details Pre-Fight Challenges According to Sulaiman, the interference ranged from logistical hurdles to creative restrictions. He told Claro Sports, “They did everything they could to take him out of his comfort zone. Dana White, with his promotional company TKO, which was the promoter of the fight for this event, did everything possible to go against those of us who are in boxing. “For Canelo, it was a constant confrontation. Where to stay, tickets, credentials, ‘come present yourself at a conference,’ the last-minute visa, etcetera, etcetera. And they finish it off by taking away his television rights in Mexico, the first time in 16 years that he has been the headliner on television not seen in Mexico. “And they take away the National Anthem, and they take away a spectacular entrance that he always planned with his team. Everything was done (to unsettle him).” These claims highlight the tension between traditional sanctioning bodies and major new investment in the sport. Ringside Restrictions Won’t Stop Sulaiman Sulaiman, who was initially banished from ringside for the fight, insisted that none of these challenges would prevent him from fulfilling his role. “Even if I am stopped by security, I will still present the WBC belt to the winner,” he said. This defiant stance underscores the symbolic importance of the WBC green and gold strap in boxing’s four-belt era. Preserving Tradition Amid Modern Promotions Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford, held at Allegiant Stadium, was promoted under Dana White’s TKO banner, highlighting a shift in promotional control. Sulaiman’s comments suggest friction between these new promotional approaches and long-established sanctioning bodies, with concerns over broadcast control, fighter access, and ceremonial traditions. For the WBC, the presentation of the belt seconds after the final bell is more than a ritual—it is a statement of the organization’s authority and legitimacy. Sulaiman’s insistence on maintaining that tradition, even under restrictive conditions, emphasizes the ongoing battle between established boxing governance and evolving promotional models. Looking Ahead While the spotlight rightly focused on Canelo and Crawford inside the ring, Sulaiman’s revelations shine a light on the behind-the-scenes challenges top fighters face beyond training and preparation. The WBC’s role in upholding championship traditions remains pivotal, even as new promotional entities attempt to reshape how boxing events are staged and presented to the global audience. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed dozens of world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since founding WBN in 2010. Read full bio.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman claimed that Dana White and his promotion company TKO attempted to unsettle Canelo Alvarez in the lead-up to his September showdown with Terence Crawford. Speaking to Claro Sports, Sulaiman detailed a series of actions he said were aimed at knocking the Mexican superstar out of his stride. Sulaiman Details Pre-Fight Challenges According to Sulaiman, the interference ranged from logistical hurdles to creative restrictions. He told Claro Sports, “They did everything they could to take him out of his comfort zone. Dana White, with his promotional company TKO, which was the promoter of the fight for this event, did everything possible to go against those of us who are in boxing. “For Canelo, it was a constant confrontation. Where to stay, tickets, credentials, ‘come present yourself at a conference,’ the last-minute visa, etcetera, etcetera. And they finish it off by taking away his television rights in Mexico, the first time in 16 years that he has been the headliner on television not seen in Mexico. “And they take away the National Anthem, and they take away a spectacular entrance that he always planned with his team. Everything was done (to unsettle him).” These claims highlight the tension between traditional sanctioning bodies and major new investment in the sport. Ringside Restrictions Won’t Stop Sulaiman Sulaiman, who was initially banished from ringside for the fight, insisted that none of these challenges would prevent him from fulfilling his role. “Even if I am stopped by security, I will still present the WBC belt to the winner,” he said. This defiant stance underscores the symbolic importance of the WBC green and gold strap in boxing’s four-belt era. Preserving Tradition Amid Modern Promotions Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford, held at Allegiant Stadium, was promoted under Dana White’s TKO banner, highlighting a shift in promotional control. Sulaiman’s comments suggest friction between these new promotional approaches and long-established sanctioning bodies, with concerns over broadcast control, fighter access, and ceremonial traditions. For the WBC, the presentation of the belt seconds after the final bell is more than a ritual—it is a statement of the organization’s authority and legitimacy. Sulaiman’s insistence on maintaining that tradition, even under restrictive conditions, emphasizes the ongoing battle between established boxing governance and evolving promotional models. Looking Ahead While the spotlight rightly focused on Canelo and Crawford inside the ring, Sulaiman’s revelations shine a light on the behind-the-scenes challenges top fighters face beyond training and preparation. The WBC’s role in upholding championship traditions remains pivotal, even as new promotional entities attempt to reshape how boxing events are staged and presented to the global audience. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed dozens of world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since founding WBN in 2010. Read full bio.

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The dust has settled on Terence Crawford’s masterclass, but the real war is only just beginning. In a brutal, no-holds-barred social media tirade, Oscar De La Hoya unleashed a nuclear-level attack on his former fighter Canelo Alvarez and UFC president Dana White, declaring to the world that he has nothing left to lose. With the historic undisputed clash now in the rearview mirror, De La Hoya has seized the moment to deliver a scathing, unfiltered assessment of both men. His comments are not just criticism; they are a dismantling of legacies and a clear statement of a personal grievance that has now turned into a feud. It was a ‘ClapBack Thursday’ on an epic scale, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with popcorn ready as WBN shared it across social media. The “Fluff” Quote De La Hoya pulled no punches in his critique of Canelo’s career, claiming that the Mexican star has built a legacy on a foundation of carefully chosen opponents. “I promoted Canelo’s entire career, and it was a huge fluff. The only real fighters he’s faced were Mayweather, Bivol, and Crawford, and they all toyed with him.” The “Golden Boy” then turned his fire on the CEO of the UFC, a man he has repeatedly clashed with in the past. Dana White’s Worst Week De La Hoya suggested that White’s week was far from a success, mocking him for his attempt to amend boxing’s federal regulations and referencing a video in which a reporter questioned White’s plans for boxing. He also stated that White spent most of his time at the Canelo vs. Crawford fight away from ringside. When he was present alongside Turki Alalshikh, De La Hoya claimed White watched UFC Noche on his phone. “Dana White didn’t have his best week. TKO needs it to change so that they can f— fighters over. Sorry, Uncle Fester. You can’t muzzle the boxing media like you do in the UFC.” With tensions at an all-time high, De La Hoya concluded his rant with an explosive message to both of his rivals. A Final Warning The climactic moment of the tirade was a direct, profanity-laden message to both men, making it clear that the rivalry had crossed a line. “Dana, Canelo, f— you.” The statement puts to bed any lingering speculation that De La Hoya has mended his relationship with either man. It is a defining moment that will be discussed for months to come. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

The dust has settled on Terence Crawford’s masterclass, but the real war is only just beginning. In a brutal, no-holds-barred social media tirade, Oscar De La Hoya unleashed a nuclear-level attack on his former fighter Canelo Alvarez and UFC president Dana White, declaring to the world that he has nothing left to lose. With the historic undisputed clash now in the rearview mirror, De La Hoya has seized the moment to deliver a scathing, unfiltered assessment of both men. His comments are not just criticism; they are a dismantling of legacies and a clear statement of a personal grievance that has now turned into a feud. It was a ‘ClapBack Thursday’ on an epic scale, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with popcorn ready as WBN shared it across social media. The “Fluff” Quote De La Hoya pulled no punches in his critique of Canelo’s career, claiming that the Mexican star has built a legacy on a foundation of carefully chosen opponents. “I promoted Canelo’s entire career, and it was a huge fluff. The only real fighters he’s faced were Mayweather, Bivol, and Crawford, and they all toyed with him.” The “Golden Boy” then turned his fire on the CEO of the UFC, a man he has repeatedly clashed with in the past. Dana White’s Worst Week De La Hoya suggested that White’s week was far from a success, mocking him for his attempt to amend boxing’s federal regulations and referencing a video in which a reporter questioned White’s plans for boxing. He also stated that White spent most of his time at the Canelo vs. Crawford fight away from ringside. When he was present alongside Turki Alalshikh, De La Hoya claimed White watched UFC Noche on his phone. “Dana White didn’t have his best week. TKO needs it to change so that they can f— fighters over. Sorry, Uncle Fester. You can’t muzzle the boxing media like you do in the UFC.” With tensions at an all-time high, De La Hoya concluded his rant with an explosive message to both of his rivals. A Final Warning The climactic moment of the tirade was a direct, profanity-laden message to both men, making it clear that the rivalry had crossed a line. “Dana, Canelo, f— you.” The statement puts to bed any lingering speculation that De La Hoya has mended his relationship with either man. It is a defining moment that will be discussed for months to come. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

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Podcast Episode · The Mixed Company Podcast · 09/17/2025 · 41m