There is talk of a possible dust-up between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, after the pair had a meeting 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 fight that makes fans knee-jerk. But here’s the problem: where will it happen?
Saudi Arabia is trying to crown itself the “fighting capital of the world”, like they’re the new Vegas or something. But let’s be real, throwing money at a sport doesn’t mean you’ll get its soul. Riyadh may have gilded everything, but where is the atmosphere? Passion? Die-hard fans shouting from the cheap seats? Eddie Hearn doesn’t buy into that idea either. He said DAZN news“Canelo vs. Crawford only works for me in America. I’m not sure Canelo-Crawford is happening in Saudi Arabia, to be honest, or at all.”
And honestly, he has a point. Fights like this aren’t just about two guys punching each other — it’s about legacy. It’s about a roaring crowd at Madison Square Garden or T-Mobile Arena. You won’t have the same vibe with VIPs sipping cocktails in Riyadh, pretending to know who’s in the ring.
Now, let’s talk about the fighters. Crawford? Man is a machine. He became the world champion in four categories in 2024 after dismantling Israil Madrimov. He is at the peak of his power. And then there’s Canelo, who has been doing well with wins over Jaime Munguio and Edgar Berlango. But as Hearn bluntly said, “I don’t see a lot of options for Canelo right now.” Translation? This fight could be big, but it’s also the last roll of the dice for both of them.
If this fight happens – and that’s still a big if – it has to be somewhere that understands boxing. Somewhere with history, with real fans, not just people who are there for Instagram photos. Vegas, MSG, Wembley or even Tottenham — take your pick. Anywhere but a heartless desert PR exercise.
So, let’s keep our fingers crossed that this fight is made and gets the stage it deserves. Because boxing is more than money – it’s about the roar of the crowd, history in the air and two legends giving it their all. And no amount of Saudi money can buy that.
‼️ The meeting of Turki Alalshikh with Terence Crawford, just one day after the meeting with Canelo…
Alalshikh exclusively told The Ring: “The ring is the bible of boxing and we’re close to seeing white smoke on the horizon… 2025 is going to be a crazy year for boxing and I really mean it.” pic.twitter.com/YusEW7pvdN
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) January 13, 2025
