Dana White’s confrontation with reporter clouds Canelo-Crawford news conference in Las Vegas

Dana White’s heated exchange with a reporter about his new role in boxing briefly overshadowed the news conference for the super-fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Alvarez, the 35-year-old Mexican who will put his WBA (Super), WBC, WBO and IBF super-middleweight titles on the line, and Crawford, the 37-year-old Omaha native attempting to move up two weight classes, faced a partisan crowd at the T-Mobile Arena as promoters finalised buildup for Saturday’s bout at Allegiant Stadium.

The exchange began after questions about the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act — a 2000 U.S. law intended to protect boxers’ rights and limit promoters’ control — were raised with White, who chaired the proceedings and is promoting the event in partnership with Saudi backers. White has been spearheading a push to amend the law and said the discussion required a separate interview.

"This is obviously a long discussion. If you want to talk about that then set up an interview. This isn't about me," White said. When reporter Sean Zittel persisted, White interrupted, "You have a question for these two, no? Beat it."

Critics of White’s plans say a UFC-style model in boxing, which some contend would allow exclusive contracts and promoter-controlled world titles, could restrict fighters’ freedom, concentrate power and reduce the share of revenue that reaches boxers. Supporters argue changes are necessary to modernise the sport’s promotional infrastructure. White’s entry into major boxing promotion comes after he announced a Saudi Arabia-backed venture alongside Turki Alalshikh.

About 1,500 fans attended the news conference, waving Mexican flags and chanting in support of Alvarez from the moment he appeared on stage. British rapper Stormzy and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis were among the crowd. Alvarez, a multiple-division world champion and one of boxing’s highest earners, dismissed suggestions that the sport is in decline.

"This fight for me is big. One of the biggest fights in my career. It means a lot," Alvarez said, adding later, "Hey, boxing was always bigger, bigger and big. Don't say boxing is not big enough. You know how big is boxing." Reports ahead of the fight indicated Alvarez could earn up to $150 million for the bout.

Crawford, who last fought 13 months ago when he beat Israil Madrimov to claim a fourth division world title, remained composed amid the pro-Alvarez noise. With a record that includes 41 wins and 31 knockouts, Crawford said he was ready to "shock the world" and described the contest as one that will be "stamped in the history books." If victorious, he would become the first male boxer in the modern era to be undisputed champion in three divisions.

The two fighters exchanged a nod and a handshake to close the session, keeping pre-fight animosity muted despite earlier friction in other venues during the promotion. The bout will be broadcast globally on Netflix, which could make the event available to a potential audience of more than 300 million subscribers.

Organisers billed the White-Alalshikh partnership as a major new investment in boxing, while opponents and some observers warned that questions over governance, fighter pay and competition policy remain unresolved. The fight is scheduled for Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.