BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is brimming with excitement at the prospect of creating a mega-card in boxing, featuring potential match-ups such as Terence Crawford vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda sharing the same stage. However, the recent controversial win by Vergil Ortiz Jr. has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the proposed fight between him and Crawford. Following his contentious victory over WBC interim champion Serhii Bohachuk, questions have arisen about Ortiz Jr.’s readiness for a high-profile bout against Crawford.
Initially, Turki had expressed keen interest in arranging a fight between Crawford and Ortiz Jr., but the circumstances surrounding Ortiz Jr.’s recent performance have introduced a level of doubt. Despite the tainted win, Turki remains determined to make the match happen and is considering adding another exciting bout to the card – a showdown between WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and #1 contender William Zepeda. This shift in focus comes after Turki’s failed attempts to secure a fight between Crawford and multiple-title holder Canelo Alvarez.
Turki’s ambitions of pairing Crawford with Canelo Alvarez were dashed when the latter showed little interest in the proposed match-up. Canelo’s reluctance to engage with Turki’s offer has left the door open for other potential opponents for Crawford. While Canelo may have entertained the idea of facing Crawford, the financial demands and lack of broad appeal for Terence may have deterred Turki from pursuing that avenue further. Crawford’s limited drawing power outside of Omaha, Nebraska, coupled with his reserved personality, presents a marketing challenge in securing lucrative fights.
Despite the setbacks, Turki remains determined to create an enticing fight card, with Crawford potentially facing Ortiz Jr. and Stevenson squaring off against Zepeda. The prospect of these matchups has garnered support from influential figures in the boxing world, including promoter Oscar De La Hoya. The inclusion of these exciting bouts on a single card could breathe new life into Golden Boy promotions and recapture the glory days of packed arenas and thrilling fights.
The landscape of professional boxing is constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities emerging for fighters, promoters, and fans alike. The excitement surrounding a potential mega-card featuring top-tier talent like Crawford, Ortiz Jr., Stevenson, and Zepeda underscores the enduring appeal of the sport. While hurdles and controversies may arise along the way, the prospect of witnessing these skilled athletes showcase their talents in high-stakes matches is sure to captivate audiences and elevate the sport to new heights.
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