BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
Eddie Hearn expressed uncertainty regarding potential discussions between Canelo Alvarez and Turki Alalshikh about a fight with Terence Crawford in 2025. Hearn revealed that Turki was disappointed when Canelo declined to meet with him to discuss a match-up with Crawford. The Mexican superstar Canelo was focused on his upcoming title defense against Edgar Berlanga on September 14th, making it logical for him to defer negotiations for another fight at that time.
Despite Turki’s desire to see Canelo face off against Crawford in what he views as a marquee fight, Canelo’s reluctance stemmed from the unattractive nature of the proposed match-up. Hearn highlighted Canelo’s financial security and legacy as factors contributing to his disinterest in a bout with Crawford, who has yet to prove himself at the super middleweight division. Turki’s frustration with the inability to secure the desired fights was palpable, given his ambition to organize high-profile bouts that generate significant interest.
The controversy surrounding Turki’s involvement in arranging unconventional fights, such as Francis Ngannou against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, raised questions about the sporting integrity of these matchups. Hearn likened these events to the spectacle of Floyd Mayweather Jr. facing Conor McGregor, emphasizing the financial gains but questioning the legitimacy of the contests. Similar skepticism surrounded the proposed Canelo-Crawford fight, with critics questioning the merit of the bout without adequate validation of Crawford’s ability in the super middleweight division.
Canelo’s approach to negotiations, driven by a focus on financial rewards and strategic decision-making, reflected his status as a highly paid and accomplished fighter. Hearn acknowledged Canelo’s emphasis on remuneration as a key determinant in his willingness to accept fights, highlighting the straightforward nature of Canelo’s expectations. While Canelo is open to competitive challenges and monetary incentives, his financial expectations set a benchmark for potential opponents to meet in order to secure a lucrative fight.
The complexities of negotiating high-profile fights in boxing, such as the potential match-up between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, involve a delicate balance of sporting merit, financial considerations, and strategic decision-making. Turki Alalshikh’s aspirations to orchestrate marquee fights align with his vision for elevating the sport, but the challenges of securing agreements with top-tier fighters underscore the intricate nature of match-making in the boxing world. Canelo’s calculated approach to fight negotiations reflects his stature as a top-tier athlete with well-defined priorities, emphasizing the intersection of sporting ambition and financial reward in the competitive landscape of professional boxing.
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