The General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia Chairman, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, delivered a blistering declaration, which has caused shockwaves in the boxing industry. A whopping $35 million has been offered by Alalshikh to the person or people who can beat the legendary Mexican boxer Saul “Canelo” Álvarez in a fight. Notable figures like Terence Crawford and David Benavidez have also commented on the audacious claim, which comes as boxing fans are enthusiastically debating the sport’s top contenders.

As heavyweight boxers wonder what this unusual challenge means, Alalshikh’s announcement has sparked discussions and garnered headlines around the sport. However, why was this statement so dramatic? How are other combatants, such as Crawford and Benavidez, reacting to the challenge?

HE As a result of Turki Alalshikh’s efforts, Saudi Arabia has become a growing center for big international fights, thanks to his passion for sports and entertainment. He has reestablished Saudi Arabia’s status as a major player in the world of boxing with this latest statement.

Not only is there a financial incentive at stake, but the challenge goes straight to the core of professional boxing by offering $35 million to anyone who can defeat Canelo Álvarez. Canelo has been dominant against opponents in a variety of weight classes, earning him a reputation as one of the world’s top pound-for-pound fighters. There is a substantial reward riding on a successful fight against Canelo, and the world is watching.

Alalshikh is reviving discussions about the future of the sport, high-payout fights, and Saudi Arabia’s increasing significance as a venue for elite-level contests by giving such a high-stakes reward, which would increase the stakes for a Canelo knockout.

The legacy of Saul “Canelo” Álvarez is widely recognized. From light heavyweight to light middleweight, he has won championships in every weight class. Canelo is practically unbeatable in the ring with to his strength, defensive prowess, and strategic boxing technique.

Despite a few close fights and his lone defeat to Floyd Mayweather earlier in his career, he has continued to solidify his legacy in his most recent contests. Many in the boxing community, both fans and detractors, have questioned if anyone can actually compete with him given his level of dominance. Here is where the $35 million reward starts to appeal—not only to the competitors, but also to the fans who are dying for someone to decipher Canelo’s secret.

The monetary prize is further evidence of Canelo’s worldwide popularity. The offer by Alalshikh takes advantage of the rising popularity of high-profile fights in the Middle East, where prizes and prize money are getting bigger and bigger, and Saudi Arabia is becoming a major participant in boxing promotion.

Not long after Alalshikh’s announcement broke, several prominent figures in the sport began to voice their opinions. One of the greatest boxers of all time, Terence “Bud” Crawford, who is now unrivaled at welterweight, wasted no time getting in on the social media conversation.

In spite of the weight differential, Crawford’s technical skill and undefeated record have made him a long-shot contender to face Canelo. The key, he said, is leaving a legacy, not simply the money, even though $35 million is appealing. I know just where Canelo can find me if he’s looking for a serious battle.

Possible suspicion has been put in motion by Crawford’s remarks. Is the welterweight champion considering a weight class jump to take on Canelo? Crawford has already toyed with the notion of competing in a higher weight class, but the $35 million reward, along with the difficulty of facing Canelo, might force negotiations into serious area.

Super middleweight contender David Benavidez was among those who took up the challenge. Canelo has long been eying a bout with aggressive fighter Benavidez, who is famous for his knockout power and attitude. The words “this just adds fuel to the fire” were his expression of excitement. I’ve been open about my desire for Canelo. The stakes have just increased to $35 million? Come on, let’s do it!

 

The incentive will encourage Benavidez to pursue the bout that many fans have been demanding, since he has long been seen as a formidable challenger to Canelo’s dominance in the super middleweight division.

Saudi Arabia has a history of holding successful boxing events, and the offer comes with a ton of money. The country could easily host a future fight between Canelo and a good opponent.

Tyson Fury’s heavyweight fight with Francis Ngannou in 2023 and the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz in 2019 are just two of the matches that have generated news in Saudi Arabia. With Alalshikh’s offer, Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a top destination for big sporting events, which the Kingdom is already capable of hosting and promoting.

Imagine a spectacular venue like Riyadh or Jeddah hosting a world-class boxing match if a top contender like Crawford or Benavidez accepts the $35 million challenge. With this most recent announcement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may take the next step in establishing itself as a worldwide boxing superpower, further demonstrating its unwavering dedication to bringing top-tier sports to the area.

Given that Canelo is already one of the most watched and honored fighters in the sport, this record-breaking prize would only make things worse. Despite his history of facing elite competition, the stakes have never been higher than with a $35 million payout for a loss.

Canelo may alter his strategy for future bouts in order to protect his reputation, particularly in light of the substantial financial incentive his possible opponents have. Knowing the great reward that comes with triumph, every top fighter in the world will now have him dethroned.

HE The $35 million bounty that Turki Alalshikh received has certainly caused a stir in the boxing world, sparking both enthusiasm and conjecture. Canelo Álvarez’s megafight with top fighters like Terence Crawford and David Benavidez is becoming increasingly likely.

This declaration signifies a fresh chapter in the ever-changing world of boxing, as Saudi Arabia maintains its growing influence in molding the sport’s most monumental moments. With $35 million up for grabs, the world is waiting to witness who among us can finally meet the challenge of defeating one of the best fighters of our generation.