In the build-up to his historic showdown with Terence Crawford, Canelo Álvarez made headlines not only for the fight itself but also for a heated exchange during the press conference. When ESPN’s Max Kellerman suggested that the UFC has overtaken boxing in global popularity, Canelo wasted no time in setting the record straight.
The Press Conference Exchange
The moment came as Kellerman spoke about the rise of the UFC under Dana White, claiming that the promotion’s structure and marketing have made it bigger than boxing. He went on to say that someone like White could help boxing “reach the level of the UFC.”
Canelo Alvarez interrupts Max Kellerman to make it clear — “UFC is not bigger than boxing.” 🥊🔥 #CaneloCrawford
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 12, 2025
via: @ufc pic.twitter.com/IhG41feW5g
Before Kellerman could continue, Canelo cut him off, firmly stating that boxing is not smaller than the UFC. His response drew immediate reactions from fans, many of whom applauded his conviction in defending the sport.
Canelo’s Stance on Boxing’s Legacy
Canelo Álvarez has long been a proud ambassador for boxing, carrying the sport on his shoulders as its biggest active star. From selling out massive stadiums to earning record-breaking purses, his career alone highlights boxing’s global power.

SHOP: The Kickboxer Collection
He pointed out that boxing has consistently produced the richest fights in combat sports history, with names like Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and now himself commanding massive worldwide audiences. For Canelo, the idea that boxing plays second fiddle to the UFC simply doesn’t add up.
Boxing vs UFC: The Ongoing Debate
The comparison between boxing and MMA has been ongoing for years. While the UFC has undeniably grown into a global powerhouse with mainstream reach, boxing remains a sport with deep tradition, global fanbases, and record-breaking pay-per-view events.
Boxing’s top fights, including Canelo’s bout with Crawford, continue to generate purses and global attention that surpass most UFC events. The financial muscle behind boxing, combined with its long-standing history, ensures that it remains a dominant force in combat sports.
READ MORE: K-1 World MAX 70kg Grand Prix – How Does It Compare to ONE Championship?







