Canelo Alvarez Defends the Future of Boxing
Introduction
Boxing has always been a staple in the world of sports, and Canelo Alvarez is one of its biggest stars. With mixed martial arts gaining popularity, there has been a constant debate about whether boxing is losing its place in the sports landscape. However, Alvarez is quick to defend the sport, stating that "boxing is always bigger."
Key Details
In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), potentially taking over boxing and "saving" it. But Alvarez believes that boxing does not need saving, as it continues to draw in massive crowds and generate huge pay-per-view numbers. He argues that the sport has a rich history and a dedicated fan base that will always keep it relevant.
Impact
Alvarez's defense of boxing not only speaks to the current state of the sport but also to its future. While MMA may be gaining traction, boxing still has a strong following and a roster of talented fighters. The sport is constantly evolving, with new stars emerging and exciting matchups being made. It is clear that boxing is here to stay and will continue to be a major player in the sports world.
About the People Mentioned
Dana White
Dana Frederick White Jr. (born July 28, 1969) is an American businessman best known as the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. White joined the UFC in 2001 after he and the Fertitta brothers acquired the struggling promotion for $2 million. Under his leadership, the UFC evolved from a niche, controversial sport into a globally recognized and highly profitable enterprise, expanding its reach to over 30 countries and securing major television deals with networks like ESPN and FOX. The organization was sold in 2016 to WME-IMG (now Endeavor) for $4.025 billion, one of the largest sports transactions ever, but White remained as president and CEO[1][3][6]. Before his UFC career, White worked as a boxing instructor and MMA manager in Las Vegas, where he connected with fighters Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell. He also trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Outside of the UFC, White founded Power Slap in 2022, a slap fighting promotion that airs on digital platforms[1][3][4]. White has been a controversial figure, facing criticism over fighter pay, antitrust lawsuits (including a $375 million settlement in 2024), and his defense of certain fighters' contentious behaviors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was noted for downplaying the virus's severity and leading UFC to be the first major sport to resume events. He is closely associated with commentator Joe Rogan and has longstanding ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump, supporting Trump politically[2][4]. In 2025, White joined the board of directors of Meta Platforms, reflecting his growing influence beyond sports entertainment[1][2][7]. As of 2019, his net worth was estimated at $500 million[1][3].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
The **Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)** is the world’s largest and most influential mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company, founded in 1993 by Art Davie, Rorion Gracie, and Bob Meyrowitz. Its inaugural event, UFC 1, held in Denver, Colorado, was a single-elimination tournament designed to pit various martial arts styles against each other to determine the most effective combat discipline. Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Royce Gracie’s dominant performance showcased the effectiveness of submission grappling and helped establish UFC’s early credibility[1][2][6]. Initially controversial due to minimal rules and perceived brutality, the UFC faced political backlash, notably from Senator John McCain, who labeled it "human cockfighting." To gain legitimacy, UFC introduced the Unified Rules of MMA around 2000, standardizing weight classes, rounds, judging criteria, and banned certain dangerous techniques. These reforms transformed UFC into a regulated sport, paving the way for mainstream acceptance[2][4]. A critical turning point occurred in 2001 when the Fertitta brothers and Dana White purchased the struggling UFC for $2.1 million. Under their leadership, UFC expanded rapidly, securing regulatory sanctioning and launching “The Ultimate Fighter” reality TV show in 2005. The show’s success dramatically increased UFC’s popularity and revenue, effectively saving the organization from bankruptcy[4]. The UFC has since grown into a global sports powerhouse, hosting events worldwide and contracting over 578 fighters across 11 weight divisions (eight men’s, three women’s). It has acquired key competitors like Pride Fighting Championships (2007) and Strikeforce (2011), consolidating its position as MMA’s premier promotion. Notable UFC champions include legends like Chuck Liddell, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, and recently, Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira[1][5][6]. Known for technological innovation in broadcasting and digital engagement, UFC has pioneered pay-per-vie
