Promoter Eddie Hearn expresses uncertainty about potential discussions occurring between Canelo Alvarez and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh regarding a fight with Terence Crawford in 2025. Turki was reportedly upset that Canelo did not want to engage in talks about a matchup with Crawford, whom His Excellency holds in high regard. However, Canelo’s decision to focus on his upcoming title defense against Edgar Berlanga on September 14th at the T-Mobile in Las Vegas is understandable, as it would be distracting to look past his current opponent.
Eddie Hearn mentioned that His Excellency asked Canelo to meet him for discussions, but Canelo declined the meeting. This refusal surprised Hearn, as he pointed out that most boxers would be willing to meet His Excellency. The proposed fight between Canelo and Crawford seems unappealing to Canelo, given Crawford’s underwhelming performance at 154 and the lack of competitiveness it would offer. Canelo-Crawford appears to be more of a spectacle than a genuine sporting event, which could potentially harm Canelo’s legacy.
Turki Alalshikh is known for his desire to create significant matchups in boxing, but his frustration arises when these fights fail to materialize. Hearn acknowledged Turki’s efforts to put together notable fights but highlighted the challenges of making them a reality. Turki’s past ventures, such as Francis Ngannou facing off against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, were criticized for being more of entertainment events than sporting competitions, akin to Mayweather vs. McGregor.
While some may criticize Canelo’s stance on not entertaining discussions about a potential Crawford fight, it is essential to consider his perspective. Canelo’s primary focus is on his upcoming fights, and he values the financial aspects of his matchups. His straightforward approach of “You pay me the money, and I’ll have the fight” emphasizes his commitment to his craft while also prioritizing his earnings. Canelo’s love for competition, monetary gains, and passion for fighting are evident in his strategic approach to selecting opponents based on their financial worth.
The pursuit of marquee fights in boxing involves intricate negotiations, differing priorities among fighters, and the emphasis on both sporting competitiveness and financial gain. Canelo Alvarez’s decision to prioritize his upcoming title defense over potential discussions with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for a fight with Terence Crawford showcases the complexities involved in matchmaking and fighter priorities. As the landscape of boxing continues to evolve, the balance between creating entertaining matchups and preserving a fighter’s legacy remains a constant challenge for promoters, fighters, and stakeholders in the sport.