In a surprising turn of events, the anticipated super middleweight championship showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford has been rescheduled to September 13th, with the venue being speculated among major U.S. cities: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York City. The initial date, September 12th, was pushed back by undisputed champion Canelo’s promoter, Turki Alalshikh, with a vague rationale. This decision underscores the shifting dynamics of boxing as financial incentives increasingly dictate the landscape, often overshadowing fan engagement.
As Mike Coppinger notes, the eventual venue choice will hinge on which city can offer the most profitable deal. While Las Vegas remains a beacon for large boxing events, the inclusion of New York City raises eyebrows. With Canelo’s and Crawford’s primary fanbases rooted elsewhere, the choice seems misguided. Citing recent industry trends, such as the disappointing Times Square event that attracted only a select VIP audience, it appears that fan accessibility is taking a back seat in favor of monetization.
Press Conferences in a Peculiar Venue: The Saudi Connection
Interestingly, the promotional activities for Canelo vs. Crawford will begin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, rather than in the U.S. This strategy could be viewed as a double-edged sword. While Saudi Arabia aims to bolster its image in the boxing realm by attracting major fights and events, such a distancing from American fans sends a disheartening message. It suggests that while fans may be vital for ticket sales, their local presence is less relevant during the promotional phase.
From the Saudi perspective, there’s undeniable wisdom in this strategy—it’s a calculated effort to cultivate interest in boxing within the region. By hosting press events in their own country, they can potentially tap into a new demographic of fans eager to connect with global boxing narratives. However, this raises important questions regarding the genuine priorities of promoters and organizers and their commitment to the U.S. fanbase, which deserves more than just ticket cash.
Crawford vs. Alvarez: Assessing Popularity and Viewer Engagement
The possible Las Vegas staging holds much promise for delivering an electrifying atmosphere, thanks to its rich boxing history and traditions. It’s likely that a venue will buttress the financial aspect with ample incentive to lure this marquee matchup. However, a crucial element remains: Terence Crawford’s marketability compared to Canelo Alvarez. Discussions around the fight often reflect a stark dichotomy in popularity; Crawford, while celebrated among boxing purists, does not resonate as widely with the casual demographic that drives viewership and ticket sales.
Fiery brawlers like Jaron Ennis, David Benavidez, and the visceral energy of Gervonta Davis capture the imagination of fans more readily than Crawford’s nuanced, technical style. This discrepancy highlights a concerning trend—boxing needs stars who not only possess talent but also light up the screen and engage audiences. Canelo embodies this larger-than-life persona, yet the fight, although significant, lacks that fervor when put against a backdrop of underwhelming popularity for his opponent.
Canelo Alvarez’s upcoming fight against Terence Crawford is emblematic of the rapid changes boxing is facing today—changes that resonate far beyond the ring, raising critical questions about fan engagement, global marketing strategies, and the essence of promotion in the sport.