UFC president Dana White was bemused by reports DAZN considered Jorge Masvidal and Khabib Nurmagomedov as ‘premium’ opponents for Canelo Alvarez.
The multiple weight boxing world champion filed a lawsuit against the streaming service claiming they vetoed opponents and failed to pay agreed purses, with DAZN reportedly insisting he take on ‘premium’ fighters.
One report claimed those elite clashes included the likes of UFC stars Masvidal and Nurmagomedov and White laughed off the idea as ridiculous.
He said: ‘That’s fu*king hilarious. I don’t even know what to say to that, thats hilarious. But are you shocked?
‘That’s the state of boxing. It’s where those guys are at, you know. I don’t know what to say to that.’
In 2018 Alvarez signed an eleven-fight contract with DAZN worth £282million and his lawsuit claims he has been the victim of breach of contract, negligent interference and fraud.
DAZN insist the deal included approval rights for opponents and the online giants have repeatedly tried to match Alvarez with Gennady Golovkin for their trilogy clash.
Alvarez is also suing Oscar De La Hoya, but Golden Boy Promotions insist no one at the promotional company ever told DAZN they could approve his opponents.
A court in California dismissed Alvarez’s lawsuit in its first form and the boxer and his legal team have until 28 September to make changes.
De La Hoya reacted to the latest news on Twitter: ‘While yesterday’s order does not end the case, we are hopeful that this error will allow us to reset, and refocus on what’s important – working together to get Canelo back in the ring against a top opponent ASAP.
‘If not, we expect Canelo’s lawyers will now enter arbitration as is laid out in our contract.’
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