DANA WHITE furiously hit back after being probed on the controversial campaign to change the Ali Act in boxing.
The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act is a federal law introduced in America in 2000.
Dana White was probed on TKO’s efforts to change the Ali Act[/caption]
It was brought about to protect boxers by preventing exploitation from promoters and managers by encouraging a free and open market.
Under the act, promoters are prohibited from managing the fighters to prevent monopolising the sport – but the act does not apply to MMA.
UFC owners TKO have formed a boxing promotion which debuts with Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford on Saturday in Las Vegas.
And TKO – who also own the WWE – are trying to amend the Ali Act – replacing it with the Muhammad Ali Revival Act.
The Revival Act would introduce the “Unified Boxing Organizations” – away from the traditional WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF sanctioning bodies.
And promotions would be able to introduce their own titles belts – away from the neutral four – giving them full control of their boxers.
Respected American boxing reporter Sean Zittel probed White on TKO’s attempts to lobby the amendment – sparking a heated exchange.
“My question to you is, why then do you want to make sweeping changes to the Muhammad Ali Reform Act that is meant to protect fighters to bring about a business model that currently has your company already paying $375 million in antitrust lawsuits and has two potential pending class-action lawsuits on the way, as well?”
Canelo vs Crawford – All the info
IT’S finally time – one of the biggest boxing matches EVER takes place THIS WEEKEND.
Two of boxing’s GOATs will meet in the ring as they fight for pound-for-pound supremacy and the super-middleweight crown.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford have been fixtures in the top of the rankings for years and are considered among the best to ever do it.
Unbeaten Crawford, who beat Israil Madrimov to win the light-middleweight title last time out, hasn’t fought for a year.
He is jumping up two weight divisions to meet Canelo, having spent most of his career weighing in even lighter.
Mexican favourite Canelo has scored title defences over Edgar Berlanga and William Scull since Crawford was last inside a ring.
Here’s all the info for this must-watch fight…
INFO
- Everything you need to know for the big fight
- How much will Canelo and Crawford earn?
- Is the fight free to watch or PPV on Netflix?
- What belts are on the line?
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CANELO VS CRAWFORD: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY
“This is obviously a long discussion,” White said while declining to answer the question.
“If you want to talk to me about that, set up an interview. This isn’t about me and my business. This is about these two guys on Saturday night.”
“My follow-up, Dana: Earlier this week, the California State Athletic Commission had a hearing about TKO trying to bring those changes to the Ali Act. It was postponed three months.”
“Listen, you want to showboat right now,” White interjected.
“Set up an interview with me if this is really what you want to talk about. If you have questions for these two, ask, and you can set up an interview with me.”
“Dana, my follow-up is, if TKO can’t make those changes to the Ali Act, will you still invest in the sport of boxing?” Zittel asked.
“Will you compete in the market?”
“Listen, if you want to be an asshole, let’s do it in private and we can do an interview,” White responded.
“If you want to showboat, I get it. If you have questions for these two who are fighting on Saturday, that’s a different story.”
The back and forth sparked a hilarious response from Canelo – who chanted “fight, fight, fight”.
Canelo Alvarez facing off with Terence Crawford[/caption]
