“I like when the night moves fast. Right now, when you watch a boxing event, they’ll have one fight, and then there’s a podcast,” replied Dana White when Max Kellerman asked, “What [from the UFC] can you bring to boxing?” Perhaps the UFC president might as well have wished the night closed out fast. With just a day left for the fight, the final presser of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight turned distressing when a reporter broached the concerns surrounding the Muhammad Ali Act and the changes TKO, which owns UFC and WWE, reportedly backs.

Thankfully, though, Canelo Alvarez was at hand. The super middleweight champion’s timely wit rescued Dana White just when things appeared to be escalating. As most fans know, the proposed amendments to the Ali Act include the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBO). In mixed martial arts, besides promotion, UFC takes over the roles of a sanctioning body and hands over the fighter ranks as well. But vis-à-vis boxing, given the complexities involved, many find the scenario unsettling. Moreover, the recent antitrust suit that UFC settled with a slew of fighters only reinforced the doubts.

Canelo answers the call

All it took was just one word from Canelo Alvarez to diffuse the situation. “Fight, fight, fight, fight,” he repeated to everyone’s amusement. The super middleweight king jumped into the fray as the probe clearly rattled Dana White. Perhaps to Sean Zittel, the press conference felt like the best time to seek some answers. “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 out $375 million in antitrust lawsuits and has two potential pending class action lawsuits on the way as well?” he asked.

But Dana White wasn’t willing to give in. There’s a time and space for everything. Questions, even if right and relevant, demand a proper environment and a perfect vibe. “Well, this is obviously a long discussion. If you want to talk to me about that, set up an interview. This isn’t about me and my business. It’s about these two guys on Saturday night,” White responded.

The UFC president had had enough when Zittel persisted.

Dana White doubles down

Insisting the reporter should set up a one-on-one interview, he said, “Listen, I get it. You want to showboat right now. Set up an interview with me. If this is really what you want to talk about.” Sean Zittel wasn’t in the mood to give up either. He checked if White would still continue his journey into boxing if the TKO’s recommended change to the Ali Act fell through.

Mincing no words, Dana White replied, “This isn’t a discussion to have at a press conference for these two that are going to fight on Saturday, two legends. If you want to set up an interview with me and ask me these questions, let’s do it one-on-one. And you can ask me anything you want.”

Social media is now bursting with the fiery exchange between Sean Zittel and Dana White.

The proposed Ali Act changes remain a burning issue that concerns all diehard boxing fans. But notwithstanding its relevance, White’s reminder that there’s a time and place for even the most pressing of questions stands equally valid. The three key stakeholders – Canelo, Crawford, and fans – congregated for a ‘momentous fight.’ Everyone anticipates a spirited exchange in the ring, not a stormy back-and-forth outside.

What are your thoughts on Sean Zittel’s questions and Dana White’s response?