Saudi Arabia has virtually taken over the combat sports world, especially boxing, and the face of all of this is Turki Alalshikh. From making deals with the UFC to inviting high-profile guests to boxing events, he has done it all. Now, he is after another thing, getting Canelo Alvarez to agree to fight Terence Crawford.
The Saudi advisor recently threw his hat into the ring. He is promising a blockbuster fight for Terence Crawford and offering Alvarez a “fair price” to make it happen. Alalshikh is known for his deep pockets and love of sports, and he is determined to bring Crawford his fight of choice.
“I will give Canelo [Alvarez] what I think is a fair price. If he accepts it, he deals directly with me to finish the deal. I don’t want anyone in the middle. I guaranteed Crawford a big fight, I want Canelo for Crawford, and Crawford wants Canelo. But if Canelo is crazy (with his financial demands), I will still guarantee Crawford any fight he wants,” Alalshikh via ESPN.
🚨 ALALSHIKH WILL MAKE CANELO “FAIR OFFER” FOR CRAWFORD
Turki Alalshikh on Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford “I will give Canelo what I think is a fair price. If he accepts it, he deals directly with me to finish the deal. I don’t want anyone in the middle. I guaranteed… pic.twitter.com/GD7CR4kSGx
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) July 27, 2024
Crawford has publicly advocated fighting Canelo Alvarez many times. With Alalshikh at his back, this might actually become a reality. Alvarez, however, has eluded the Saudi advisor and Crawford. Maybe a hefty paycheck will change that.
Turki Alalshikh isn’t just sweet-talking Canelo. He is also flexing his muscles in the fight promotion game. He also sponsors UFC 306, now branded ‘Riyadh Season Noche UFC’ on September 14th, the same night as Canelo’s fight with Edgar Berlanga. This bout seems to be now between Alalshikh and Canelo on who can outperform on September 14.
Canelo Alvarez Skips Past William Scull, Gets IBF Super Middleweight Title Stripped
Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez has lost one of his prized possessions. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has stripped Alvarez of his super middleweight title. This unexpected development comes as Canelo prepares for his September 14th bout against Edgar Berlanga.
Canelo’s decision to bypass William Scull, the IBF’s top contender, is revealed as the reason for this title stripping. The IBF, not one to let a good title go to waste, is already planning its next move. They are set to order a vacant title fight between Scull and the Russian Vladimir Shishkin.
The IBF have now officially confirmed that they have stripped Canelo Alvarez of his IBF super-middleweight world title as he is fighting Edgar Berlanga next instead of IBF mandatory William Scull. Canelo no longer undisputed.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) July 26, 2024
The boxing icon, however, still has plenty of titles in his name. He’ll defend his WBA, WBC, and WBO titles against Berlanga in Las Vegas on September 14. On the same date, he will have to compete for viewership with the Turki Alalshikh-backed UFC 306. Maybe this is retribution on the Saudi Advsior’s part for not accepting the fight against Terence Crawford!
