With the co-main between Callum Walsh and Fernando Vargas Jr. now over, only one bout remains. Spectators, including a slew of celebrities from all walks of life, and millions of fans watching on Netflix await the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight. So far, out of the nine bouts spanning the prelims and the main card, only three ended in early stoppages. It’s the inaugural event of Dana White-helmed Zuffa Boxing, so fans were expecting a UFC-like, if not better, pace of fights.

In mixed martial arts events, non-championship fights run three rounds of five minutes each and wrap up quickly. In boxing, however, shows are notoriously slow-paced. Especially when fights having 10 to 12 rounds of three minutes go the distance, the event can test one’s patience, particularly for casual viewers. So a few didn’t waste time pointing out the apparent contradiction in what Dana White had previously said about boxing events. Now that his hands are fully in the sport, some want him to eat his words.

So much for what you said earlier!

Pulling out old footage where Dana White shared his thoughts on boxing cards, noted UFC analyst Luke Thomas couldn’t help but sigh at what looked like visible duplicity. He later added, “2 fights out of 4, and it took 2.5 hours to get just to here.”

So what did Dana White precisely say? At a presser, the UFC lamented how boxing events were often interspersed with podcasts. “Think about, again last night, boxing right? These guys will do a fight and then have a f**king podcast for an hour and thirty minutes before the next f**king fight comes on,” he said.

In comparison, stacked UFC cards fall, in White’s words, ‘boom, boom, boom.’ The clip pertains to October 2024. Just months before, White was in Dublin to extend support to Callum Walsh, whose fight appeared on UFC Fight Pass.

While a few users tried defending tonight’s event, most nonetheless agreed with Luke Thomas’ observations.

Fans put Dana White on the spot

This one perhaps took a cue from Riyadh Season’s previous events. Often performers would entertain in between fights. “I have a feeling just the intros for Canelo/Crawford will be just as long.” Interspersing entertainment with fighting can enhance the experience, but it invariably extends the duration as well.

Another user echoed similar thoughts. “Hope you’re ready for the 45-minute concert before the main event walk–outs,” they said. One thing most should remember. Fights like Canelo vs. Crawford may serve the diehards. But the entertainment element is designed to keep casual fans engaged as well.

This user brought home a stark reminder: “Guess this shows Turki’s still the one in charge here.” It’s true, Dana White and Zuffa Boxing ran the show at Allegiant Stadium, but given that the promotion was launched in partnership with Riyadh Season, many feel Alalshikh may still be calling the shots.

However, some expressed more positive sentiments. This fan said, “Yes, but I do feel the pacing has been far improved from most boxing productions; it feels very UFC, which is refreshing, but obviously it can and should be improved.” Considering White and his team’s expertise, fans may expect change. But they happen gradually.

Likewise, one urged everyone to give Dana White some leeway. “Cut the man a break 😂; it’s his first boxing event, and I haven’t seen one stoppage yet!” This happens to be his first boxing event. It’s one of the biggest in recent times. So expecting it to be perfect may be too harsh.

Perhaps fans need to take the event with a pinch of salt.

Fans should consider themselves lucky to witness a once-in-a-lifetime fight. Had it not been for Turki Alalshikh and Dana White’s efforts, perhaps the fight may never have happened. So when it happened, the card naturally became top-heavy.

What are your thoughts on the Canelo-Crawford showdown?