In a move that promises to send shockwaves through the world of boxing, Saudi Arabia's powerful sports chairman, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, has declared that a contract is officially ready for a super-fight between pound-for-pound kings Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Terence 'Bud' Crawford.
The bout, which would pit the undisputed super-middleweight champion against the undisputed welterweight king, is being touted as one of the most significant and lucrative in the sport's modern history. The biggest winner looks set to be Canelo himself, who is reportedly in line for a staggering guaranteed purse of $100 million (£78 million).
The Saudi Power Play
Turki Alalshikh, the mastermind behind Saudi Arabia's rapid ascent as a global boxing hub, made the stunning revelation on the Boxing with Chris Mannix podcast. He confirmed that the financial framework for the fight is already established, awaiting only the fighters' signatures.
'The only one remaining is to sign the paper,' stated Alalshikh, highlighting that the massive offer is now formally on the table for both camps to consider.
A Clash of Undisputed Titans
The potential matchup is a classic 'styles make fights' scenario. Canelo Alvarez, the relentless Mexican powerhouse, brings immense experience and devastating punching power across multiple weight classes. Standing opposite him would be Terence Crawford, a surgical and technically flawless American boxer known for his elite IQ and ability to dismantle opponents.
Crawford, who has expressed a strong desire to move up multiple weight divisions for this legacy-defining challenge, would be attempting to make history by becoming a multi-weight undisputed champion.
The Road to Riyadh
While the financial terms are seemingly agreed upon in principle, the final decision now rests with the fighters. Alalshikh has positioned Saudi Arabia as the definitive host, ready to stage the spectacle in the latter part of the year. This continues the kingdom's aggressive strategy to secure the most coveted events in world sport, following their successful hosting of high-profile fights like Fury vs. Usyk.
If signed, this fight would not only be a monumental sporting event but also one of the richest single-fight paydays ever guaranteed to an athlete, cementing its place as a must-watch global spectacle.
