By Maestro Amílcar Barnett M., The Bronx, NY, USA-
The recent announcement from Turki Al-Sheikh about a multi-fight agreement involving Canelo Alvarez has sparked significant conversation within the boxing community. This four-fight deal, however, raises more questions than it answers. While the first bout against Terence Crawford is set for September in Las Vegas, the subsequent three contests remain shrouded in uncertainty, leading many to speculate about the direction of Canelo’s career. The fact that Jake Paul is not in the equation is a relief for traditional boxing fans, but it leaves us with a perplexing scenario: Who exactly could fill those unspecified slots?
Canelo’s decision to fight Crawford—a fighter moving up two weight classes—has drawn a mixed bag of reactions. The concerns are valid; Crawford’s age and the potential for a one-sided contest cast a shadow over the bout’s integrity. The suggestion that Crawford could be pitted against formidable opponents like David Benavidez raises eyebrows, especially considering Crawford’s limited success against top-tier competition. From a promotional standpoint, it may be beneficial for Al-Sheikh to revamp his strategy by focusing on emerging talents in and around Canelo’s weight class. This approach not only preserves Canelo’s legacy but also enhances the excitement factor for fans.
A compelling storyline to monitor involves Dmitry Bivol, who could become a pivotal player within this four-fight framework, assuming he secures victory over Artur Beterbiev. Bivol’s previous decisive win against Canelo in 2023 has created an opportunity for redemption, though Canelo’s lack of willingness to avenge that defeat remains a topic of discussion among boxing pundits. If Bivol captures the undisputed championship status, it would be a natural progression to challenge Canelo again. A narrative rooted in rivalry and redemption would naturally elevate interest and could indeed be one of the aforementioned mystery fights.
Al-Sheikh’s claim that Canelo’s May fight will be the “biggest fight in the history of boxing” raises eyebrows. If this is aimed at the matchup with Crawford, this assertion seems overly ambitious if not entirely unfounded. Many fans would likely argue that Crawford’s jump to 168 pounds for a hefty payday lacks the competitive fervor necessary to be labeled as groundbreaking. While Al-Sheikh is undoubtedly enthusiastic about this promotion, boxing isn’t merely about financial stakes; it’s fundamentally about competition and legacy.
The essence of boxing thrives on authentic matchups that promise excitement and competitive edge. Crawford’s style has often been described as tedious, and his previous bouts have failed to captivate audiences. If he were to pull off a significant upset against established contenders before facing Canelo, it could transform the dynamics of their match-up. However, should he continue to pursue complacent fights, the upcoming showdown risks becoming a money-grabbing spectacle rather than a celebration of the sport.
In summation, the future of Canelo Alvarez’s career is as thrilling as it is uncertain. As boxing fans, we can only hope that the choices made within this four-fight deal will reflect not only financial incentives but also a commitment to the sport’s rich heritage. The anticipation builds with each announcement, and only time will reveal whether this strategy fulfills its promise or ultimately leads to disillusionment among boxing enthusiasts.
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