FridayOL

Canelo Alvarez's Frustration with DAZN's UFC Scheduling

The boxing world witnessed a rare display of frustration from one of its biggest stars, Canelo Alvarez, after DAZN, the streaming platform broadcasting both his fight and the UFC 244 event, seemingly prioritized the mixed martial arts spectacle over his highly anticipated WBO light heavyweight title fight against Sergey Kovalev. The incident sparked a debate about the growing competition between boxing and MMA and the potential impact on scheduling and fighter respect.

The UFC 244 Clash and the Delay

The root of Canelo’s anger stemmed from the scheduling of UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The main event, featuring Jorge Masvidal versus Nate Diaz, ended with Masvidal securing a TKO victory. However, the conclusion of the UFC fight caused a significant delay for Alvarez and Kovalev, who were already present and ready to fight backstage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The wait stretched over an hour, a considerable amount of time for athletes preparing for a championship bout.

Dana White's Influence and DAZN's Response

Sources suggest that Dana White, the president of the UFC, had previously warned DAZN about the potential for their UFC title fight to conflict with Alvarez and Kovalev's bout. It appears DAZN ultimately sided with the UFC, a decision that didn’t sit well with Canelo. This highlights the complex relationship between sports promoters and streaming platforms, and the delicate balance of prioritizing events to maximize viewership and revenue.

Canelo's Reaction and the Implications for Boxing

Canelo Alvarez, known for his professionalism and dedication, was visibly upset by the delay. He expressed his disappointment publicly, emphasizing the disrespect shown to him and Kovalev. This incident raises important questions about the future of boxing in an era of increasing competition from other combat sports. Will boxing promoters need to be more assertive in negotiating scheduling agreements with streaming platforms? Will fighters demand greater control over their schedules to avoid situations like this?

Beyond the Delay: A Larger Issue

The Canelo-DAZN-UFC situation isn't just about a single delay; it's a symptom of a larger trend. The rise of streaming services has created a more fragmented media landscape, where combat sports are competing for eyeballs. Boxing, historically the dominant force in the fighting world, now faces a challenge in maintaining its position. This incident serves as a wake-up call for boxing leaders to adapt and innovate in order to thrive in the evolving sports entertainment market. The fans deserve better, and fighters like Canelo Alvarez deserve the respect of platforms and promoters alike.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Canelo?

Despite the frustrating circumstances surrounding his pre-fight wait, Canelo Alvarez ultimately delivered a dominant performance, securing the WBO light heavyweight title. However, the experience has undoubtedly left a mark, and it’s likely to influence his future decisions regarding fight selection and contractual negotiations. The boxing community will be watching closely to see how Canelo and other top fighters navigate this changing landscape.