Kamaru Usman says crossover bout with Canelo Alvarez would be ‘the biggest fight ever’ thanks to UFC boss Dana White
KAMARU USMAN claimed a crossover bout with Canelo Alvarez would be ‘the biggest fight ever’ thanks to UFC boss Dana White.
Usman has long called out the Mexican boxing superstar, who is the current undisputed super-middleweight king.
But UFC fighters are prohibited from competing outside of the promotion unless given special exemption.
In 2017, Conor McGregor, 33, was allowed to do so to fight boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, 45, but lost in ten rounds.
Usman, the UFC’s No1 rated fighter, eyes a similar bout with Canelo and urged White to get on board.
He told BT Sport: “Well, those conversations are still to be had.
“But, you know like I’ve said, this fight will be the greatest and the biggest fight ever in the history of combat sports.
“And that’s because we’ve got to have the biggest and the baddest promoter ever in the history of combat sports, Dana White, behind us.”
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Usman, 34, wants to face Canelo, 31, in September, on the weekend of landmark holiday Mexican Independence Day.
He said: “Mexican Independence Day, I think it’s only right for me and Canelo to give the world a show, give the world the entertainment they so desire.
“You know, I’ve said it before, it can’t be done until someone does do it. I respect him, he’s a great champion, he’s the pound-for-pound best.
“I have to show him that respect but he needs to show me that respect as well.”
Canelo has refused to rule out the crossover fight but claimed Usman is only after a ‘payday’.
He said on the MMA Hour: “Maybe. Why not? You never say no. My trainer told me about it and I said, ‘Well, if you say.’”
Canelo added: “It’s not really on my mind. I want a really good legacy for my career and we can talk about other things later.”