The talk of the town is this possible dust-up between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, after the two had a sit-down with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh in London. Now, on paper, this fight is the stuff of dreams – two legends, many belts between them, and the kind of clash that makes fans weak in the knees. But here’s the rub: where will it happen?
Saudi Arabia has tried to crown itself as the “fighting capital of the world”, like they are the new Vegas or something. But let’s face it, throwing money at a sport doesn’t mean you get its soul. Riyadh may have gilded everything, but where is the atmosphere? The passion? The die-hard fans screaming from the cheap seats? Eddie Hearn doesn’t buy into the idea either. He told DAZN News“Canelo versus Crawford only works for me in America. I’m not sure Canelo-Crawford is happening in Saudi to be honest, or at all.”
And honestly, he has a point. Fights like this aren’t just about two guys beating each other up – they’re about the legacy. It’s about the crowd roaring at Madison Square Garden or the T-Mobile Arena. You’re not going to get that same vibe with VIPs sipping mocktails in Riyadh pretending to know who’s in the ring.
Now, let’s talk about the fighters. Crawford? The man is a machine. He became a four-weight world champion in 2024 after demolishing Israil Madrimov. He is at the height of his powers. And then there’s Canelo, who has been coming along nicely with wins over Jaime Munguia and Edgar Berlanga. But as Hearn put it bluntly, “I don’t see a lot of options for Canelo right now.” Translation? This fight could be massive, but it’s also a bit of a last roll of the dice for both of them.
If this fight happens – and it’s still a big if – it needs to be somewhere that understands boxing. Somewhere with history, with proper fans, not just people there for the Instagram photos. Vegas, MSG, Wembley or even Tottenham – take your pick. Anywhere but a soulless desert PR exercise.
So, fingers crossed this fight gets made and gets the stage it deserves. Because boxing is about more than just money—it’s about the roar of the crowd, the history in the air and two legends giving it everything they’ve got. And no amount of Saudi cash can buy that.
Turki Alalshikh meets with Terence Crawford, just a day after meeting with Canelo…
Alalshikh exclusively told The Ring: “The Ring is the Bible of Boxing, and we’re close to seeing the white smoke on the horizon … 2025 will be a crazy year for boxing and I mean it.” pic.twitter.com/YusEW7pvdN
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) January 13, 2025