When Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford step into the ring in Las Vegas this Saturday for the undisputed super-middleweight championship, the spotlight will be on two of boxing’s greatest. But behind the scenes, another battle is brewing one that could reshape the entire sport.
The new TKO boxing promotion, spearheaded by UFC CEO Dana White and backed by Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh, is shutting out boxing’s traditional sanctioning bodies. Normally, representatives from the WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF would enter the ring to award their championship belts to the winner of an undisputed fight. This week, however, none of the four organizations have heard back from TKO about their role.
Sanctioning Bodies Shut Out
World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman voiced his frustration on Monday, telling BoxingScene that he has received “no response” from TKO despite repeated attempts.
“It is completely unbelievable and unacceptable to think the presidents are not permitted to perform their duties,” Sulaiman said.
“The fact that the belts being contested for cannot be presented … it is in the rules and regulations. It is in the contracts. It is common practice worldwide.”
Traditionally, sanctioning presidents not only deliver belts to the winner but also oversee pre-fight protocols and publicity events. That access has been a given for decades until now.
TKO’s Bigger Plan
The snub highlights TKO’s ultimate ambition: to eliminate the role of sanctioning bodies entirely and create its own system of titles and rankings. Backed by immense Saudi funding, the promotion is preparing to lobby Congress to change federal law that prevents promoters from awarding their own belts.
The four sanctioning bodies, often ridiculed for charging 3% sanctioning fees and manipulating rankings to suit promoters, are now staring down a rival with unprecedented financial and political backing.
For TKO, Saturday’s card isn’t just about Álvarez vs. Crawford it’s about planting a flag for a new boxing order.
Sulaiman Pushes Back
Sulaiman isn’t backing down. On a Spanish-language podcast, he vowed to enter the ring regardless of TKO’s stance.
“You can have two security guards in that corner trying to take me out because I will enter that ring,” he said.
Still, he stopped short of accusing TKO of deliberately blackballing the sanctioning bodies.
“It would be very irresponsible to deliver an opinion like that,” Sulaiman told BoxingScene. “I am hopeful it is just a misunderstanding or their abundance of work.”
A New Era Brewing
Whether TKO’s cold shoulder is a power play or simple disorganization. The optics are clear, the old guard of sanctioning bodies is being tested like never before. With White and Alalshikh envisioning a streamlined, UFC-style structure for boxing, the very idea of four sanctioning presidents standing side by side in the ring may soon be a relic of the past.
For now, the world waits to see: when Canelo and Crawford settle their rivalry. Will the winner be crowned with boxing’s traditional belts or nothing at all?
Mike Tyson Praises Terence Crawford but Predicts Canelo Alvarez Victory
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
