“We have just done a deal to start a new boxing league with Turki, who absolutely loves the sport of boxing,” Dana White recently announced, not only launching a new boxing promotion but also painting a dream future for the sport he once called “a nightmare to fix.” TKO Boxing, as it is unofficially called, has faced many questions since the ribbon was cut. And the main concern has been whether any boxing superstar would be willing to work with them, given the different rules and pay structure. Well, so far, it’s all green lights from the man who is considered the undisputed face of boxing. 

Canelo Alvarez has always had a heart for exploring new boundaries. The Mexican superstar has an eye for what’s happening in the realm of his expertise. Ever since TKO Boxing came into the spotlight, Alvarez has had nothing but praise for the promotion—something he shared during an interview with CBS Sports. He stated, “I think [TKO] is going to do the best for the fighters, I’m pretty sure about that. I’m glad someone takes good care of the fighters because there are a lot of promoters that don’t take the fighters seriously. I think this is good for boxing and for the fighters.”

That’s really convincing coming from one of the best boxers in the world. ‘Cinnamon’ is already under a massive $400 million, five-fight deal with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, and now he’s also open to working with UFC head honcho and WWE President Nick Khan. He’s looking for something new, something exciting, and believes his probable journey would be nothing but a good time. 

In an interview with Ring Magazine’s lead writer Manouk Akopyan, Alvarez said, “I have this deal with Turki Alalshikh. And we are going to work with them. I am excited to do it. And I like Dana White. I like [WWE President and TKO Board Member] Nick Khan and TKO. For me, it’s something new. I am really excited to do it. I don’t know [how White can improve boxing]. He’s very focused on working and being very good at what he does with UFC. I think it’s going to be a good time with him.”

The current WBO, WBC, and WBA super middleweight champion is lined up for two massive fights. He’s facing William Scull in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 3, and then the superfight against Terence Crawford is set to take place at the Alliant International Stadium in Las Vegas, which TKO is looking to get involved in. So, his praise for this ambitious new banner comes at a time that sparks nothing but positivity for White and company!

With Canelo on board, the promotion is set to reach for the sky! A new and interesting structure that’s fresh to the boxing audience, hopefully with a stacked roster, could be a dream start for the league. However, Eddie Hearn, the English boxing promoter, is not very happy with a fresh competition on his doorstep. So, he provided a strict check to Dana White before he started entering the boxing world. 

Eddie Hearn warns Dana White and the TKO boxing banner 

Eddie Hearn has been a mainstay in the boxing world for a long time. He also shared a strong rapport with UFC head honcho Dana White, with the two even spotted together at a UFC London event at the O2 Arena. However, that goodwill seems to be fading ever since White unveiled the ambitious TKO project. According to the English promoter, they shouldn’t expect a one-sided growth like MMA, and it can only happen if they beat the system. 

Hearn on The Ariel Helwani show said, “Now as a business organization, UFC are unbelievable. But this is different. When you go to sleep as a promoter, when you wake up in the morning, nothing is the same! You have to sleep with one eye open every night. If you think you’re going to control this world, which is what they have done in MMA, and I think there’s a similar model they’re going to try in boxing. I don’t think that’s possible. It doesn’t matter who gets involved, you’ve still gotta beat the system.”

The Matchroom Boxing head honcho definitely raised a valid point. Boxing operates on a completely different playing field. They have their own budget structures, promotional models, and fight organization strategies that differ significantly from the UFC’s system. But that’s exactly the challenge Dana White and his team have chosen to take on.

Whether they can pull it off remains to be seen. Nick Khan, speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, hinted at what’s coming, saying, “I’d look for a big announcement on that in the next 4-6 weeks as to what our first card’s going to be and who is going to be on that card.” 

So, the big question is, will TKO be a breakout success or go down as a historic misfire? What do you think? Can Dana White and company pull this off, or is it a swing too far outside their comfort zone? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.