Canelo Alvarez has entered into a noteworthy four-fight agreement with Turki Al-Sheikh, the face of Riyadh Season. This arrangement places Canelo’s September bout against Terence Crawford in Las Vegas at the forefront, yet leaves fans guessing about the subsequent three matches. The major question lingering is the credibility of the opponents lined up, considering that only Crawford has a confirmed fight date. The apprehension grows not just due to uncertainty but also because of the steep competition Canelo may face if not paired with seasoned fighters who can rise to the occasion.
While Canelo’s deal is designed to excite fans, it raises eyebrows regarding his potential opponents. Notably absent from the lineup is Jake Paul, a matchup many anticipated but which Al-Sheikh has made clear won’t happen. This leaves three unannounced bouts, which generates both intrigue and skepticism. Specifically, the likelihood of matching Crawford against a formidable opponent like David Benavidez is dubious. Such a clash could result in a swift and one-sided outcome, diminishing both fighters’ marketability and the quality of the event.
Instead of continuing down the path with Crawford, it might be more prudent for Al-Sheikh to shift focus towards younger, dynamic contenders in or above Canelo’s weight class. This could not only invigorate the fight landscape but also keep Alvarez challenging and relevant in an ever-changing boxing realm.
Among the potential challengers, Dmitry Bivol looms large. Should Bivol secure a win against Artur Beterbiev, the boxing community expects him to be among Canelo’s future opponents. Having already triumphed over Canelo in a prior matchup, Bivol has both the technical skills and a recent victory that could warrant another confrontation. Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed keen interest in facilitating this rematch, especially if Bivol becomes an undisputed champion following his bout. However, achieving this feat is no small task and would only add to the mounting pressure and expectations surrounding Canelo’s fights.
Among the discussions of opponents, one prevailing sentiment is the skepticism surrounding the fight against Crawford. At 38 years old and moving up two weight classes, the matchup brings into question the potential for an electrifying fight. Many fans see this bout as a money-grab rather than a legitimate fight of significance. Alvarez’s claim of fighting Crawford as potentially the “biggest in boxing history” feels misplaced, given the underlying concerns surrounding Crawford’s style and competitiveness at this stage of his career. Observations highlight that Crawford’s recent bouts have lacked the excitement needed to justify such lofty claims.
If Crawford had first proven himself by defeating other contenders like David Morrell or Diego Pacheco, the narrative could shift favorably. For now, the prospect of Canelo facing an aging opponent in Crawford seems more a spectacle of convenience rather than a contest rooted in competitive integrity. As boxing fans, the yearning for bouts that showcase skill, excitement, and intensity is palpable, leaving many to wonder if these upcoming fights will deliver or merely disappoint.
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