Authored by Sean Crose
The prominent figure in Saudi boxing, Turki Alalshikh, recently conveyed through social media that he has concluded a crucial meeting with his team to strategize for upcoming matches in 2024-2025. Among the fights discussed was a possible bout between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. However, Alalshikh disclosed that he has chosen to abandon the idea of the Canelo fight for unspecified reasons, although there are rumors that Canelo’s hefty financial demands and the notable size difference between him and Crawford may have influenced this decision.
Despite this development, Alalshikh remains dedicated to orchestrating significant events for the US audience, especially focusing on revered fighters like Crawford. He also mentioned his backing for matches involving other talented boxers such as Boots, Haney, Shakur, Ortiz, Anderson, Benavidez, Zepeda, and more. However, there appears to be some uncertainty within Tim Tszyu’s team, prompting Alalshikh to potentially reassess his collaboration with Tszyu.
Looking forward, Alalshikh shared insights into the Riyadh Season card, Wembley Edition scheduled for September 21st, featuring AJ vs. Dubois. He also hinted at a possible rematch between Fury and Usyk on December 21st, along with another significant event in early 2025. Alalshikh encouraged fans to stay tuned for further updates regarding these events.
Meanwhile, Canelo is preparing for a match against Edgar Berlanga on September 14th. While Berlanga might not be considered a top-tier opponent, Canelo’s career has reached a point where he can select his opponents. On the other hand, Crawford has only recently gained attention with his notable victory over Spence. With Alalshikh’s support, Crawford could potentially have access to more lucrative opportunities in the future.
Alalshikh has established himself as a crucial figure in facilitating major fights in the boxing realm, despite the disagreement with Canelo. Although the Canelo-Crawford fight is not currently in the plans, Alalshikh has lined up a series of significant fights and is anticipated to organize more in the upcoming months.
