When Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock once spoke of a “360-degree turn”, she was mocked. For the boxing business, the statement is of course made. Because careful: The mega fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford (early week on, yesterday off) is on again.
As the Box-Mogul Turki al-Heikh announced on social media, Alvarez had closed a deal with the Saudi entertainment authority GEA about four fights. The Mexican superstar will therefore box as part of the event series “Riyadh Season”.
“Do not lie down with the lion. Four fights for Cabelo in the Riyadh Season. The deal stands. A lion cannot be brought to sleep because of a sheep. Fear the lion, not the jungle,” said Al-Heikh, made clear, Who, from his point of view, is in charge.
According to Al-Heikh, Alvarez is fighting for the first time under Saudi banner in Riyadh in May. According to media reports, the Americans Jermall Charlo and Bruno Surace from France are under discussion as opponents.
In September, the 34-year-old will then compete against Terence Crawford in the “biggest struggle in boxing history”. The box Bible “The Ring” had already reported the duel of the Pound-for-Pound sizes as a fix for September. The magazine named the Allegian Stadium of Las Veags as the setting.
Shortly afterwards, “The Ring” reported about a U -turn: The deal had burst, Canelo vs. Crawford off the table. Instead, the news made the round that Al-Sheikh had given up his efforts, Alvarez fights in the USA against influencer Jake Paul. Now the turning turn.
Boxing: Canelo vs. Crawford a very thick thing
Alvarez had withdrawn the sphere of influence of the Saudi string puller al-Heikh in the previous year. Against Crawford, he defends his World Cup belt (up to 76.2 kilograms). The American rises two classes from half-medium weight (up to 69.85 kilograms) for the fight, where he holds the WBA title.
The box stars are considered two of the best fist fighters in recent history, can be found in the front ranks in every recognized Pound-for-Pound-Ranking. Alvarez was already world champion in four weight classes in his career (semi-centered, middle, super middle and light heavyweight).
Crawford has also made it to world championships in four limits (light, semi-world, world and half-medium weight). The legal interpreter takes a risk for the big payday against Alvarez, since he has clear physical disadvantages.
And: According to several reports, there will be no weight limit in terms of rehydrating for the fight. Means: Alvarez can “inflate” again unlimited after weighing.