Doors Slammed for Canelo Alvarez as HE Turki Alalshikh Moves On from $150 Million Fight with Terence Crawford
In the high-stakes world of boxing, where fortunes and futures hang on a single deal, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Canelo Alvarez, the revered Mexican champion, has seemingly priced himself out of a monumental showdown with Terence Crawford. The drama unfolded as His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced a strategic pivot away from Alvarez and towards a new set of high-profile bouts.
Canelo’s Price Tag and Alalshikh’s Decision
The saga began with Alvarez’s bold demand for $150 million to step into the ring with Crawford. Despite Crawford’s recent triumph over Israil Madrimov—solidifying his status as a four-division world champion—Alvarez’s hefty price tag created friction. The Mexican fighter’s high asking price, which reportedly exceeded initial offers, has now seemingly closed the door on this blockbuster bout.
In a candid announcement, Alalshikh revealed his decision to bypass the Canelo fight, citing a shift in focus. “I decided to disregard the Canelo fight, as I don’t want it anymore,” Alalshikh stated. His emphasis is now on maximizing the impact of upcoming fights and targeting the U.S. market with a fresh slate of high-stakes matchups.
The Standoff: Alvarez vs. Crawford
Alvarez’s stance on the fight with Crawford has been anything but conventional. Despite expressing interest in the matchup, the exorbitant price demand has turned the fight into a distant prospect. “If the money is right, I’m interested,” Alvarez commented, referring to Crawford’s performance. However, his insistence on a $150 million purse has led to a cooling of negotiations.
Alalshikh, during a recent interview, had suggested that Canelo should have accepted the initial offer, hinting at alternative plans. “If he’s smart, he will accept it… but if he doesn’t, I want (Vergil) Ortiz,” Alalshikh remarked, indicating his readiness to pivot to other fighters if Alvarez remains out of reach.
“If the money is right, I’m mean,” when he said, the reporter mentioned the $100 million that HE Alalshikh had reportedly offered him. No, it should be $150 million, Alvarez stated.
The Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia mentioned sending an offer to Canelo Alvarez. He replied, “If he’s smart, he will accept it… but if he doesn’t, I want (Vergil) Ortiz.”
Future Fight Cards and Alalshikh’s Strategy
With Canelo Alvarez off the table, Alalshikh has set his sights on an array of upcoming boxing events, promising a thrilling lineup for fans. The Riyadh Season will feature major bouts, including Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois on September 21, and the undisputed clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol on October 21. These events are expected to set the stage for the highly anticipated Tyson Fury–Oleksandr Usyk rematch slated for December 21, with additional high-profile fights planned for early 2025.
Alalshikh’s strategic redirection highlights a broader trend of focusing on fights that promise to deliver both spectacle and significant market impact. Champions such as Jaron Ennis, Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, and David Benavidez are now at the forefront of his plans, while Australian fighter Tim Tszyu faces a potential reassessment due to communication issues.
“There’s something unclear with the communications from his team with our team, so I believe I will reconsider his situation,” HE Alalshikh said.
Editor’s Note:
The shifting dynamics in boxing reveal not just the intricacies of fighter negotiations but also the strategic maneuvers behind the scenes. Canelo Alvarez’s high demands have inadvertently opened doors for other fighters and future events, underscoring the volatile nature of the sport. As the focus shifts to new matchups and upcoming cards, boxing enthusiasts are left eagerly anticipating what’s next in this ever-evolving landscape.
