Turki Alalshikh’s Aggressive Questioning
Turki Alalshikh, the promoter and boxing enthusiast, took the stage during Canelo Alvarez’s press conference alongside IBF super middleweight champion William Scull to pose a provocative question to the unified champion. Alalshikh, known for his direct approach, wanted Canelo to commit to capturing the final belt, the IBF title, before his much-anticipated meeting with Terence Crawford on September 13th. This would make Canelo the undisputed super middleweight champion, a title that has eluded him thus far. However, Canelo was less than enthusiastic about playing along with Turki’s attempts to hype "The Big Fight."
The True Big Fight: Canelo vs. David Benavidez
While Turki Alalshikh is pushing for the Crawford fight, it’s clear that the true big fight in the super middleweight division is Canelo vs. David Benavidez. Benavidez, the WBC champion, has consistently proven himself in the division and presents a real challenge for Canelo. Crawford, on the other hand, has never fought at 168 pounds and is moving up two weight classes from his recent debut at 154 pounds, which was far from impressive. It’s understandable why Canelo would be hesitant to engage in premature promotion, especially when the more deserving and logical opponent is waiting in the wings.
The Ethical Dilemma: Old School vs. Modern Boxing
If Turki Alalshikh claims to be an old-school boxing traditionalist, his approach to the Crawford fight is decidedly modern and controversial. Traditionally, fighters earned their title shots by conquering their respective weight classes and facing top contenders. Crawford, who has never fought at 168 pounds, is cutting in line ahead of many hardworking contenders who have earned their stripes. This scenario is reminiscent of a situation where an established 154-pound champion is suddenly forced to face a 140-pound veteran looking for a lucrative final payday. It’s a scenario that Crawford himself would likely reject if the roles were reversed. The integrity of the sport is at stake here, and Canelo’s refusal to engage in this charade is a nod to the respect he has for the division and its contenders.
Canelo’s Focused Approach
During the press conference, Canelo Alvarez was asked about the potential September showdown with Terence Crawford by Todd Grisham. Grisham inquired why Canelo would take the risk of fighting in May, given the high-stakes fight with Crawford looming. Canelo’s response was a testament to his professionalism and focus. He stated, “I like to be active. We don’t have a fight in September. We have this fight, and then we will see the September fight. But I’m focused 100% on William Scull.” This answer underscores Canelo’s commitment to his current opponent and his philosophy of taking one fight at a time. It’s a pragmatic approach that has served him well throughout his career, allowing him to maintain his peak performance and avoid distractions.
Turki’s Persistence and Canelo’s Deflection
Turki Alalshikh, undeterred by Canelo’s initial response, continued to press the issue. He pointedly asked, “Hello everyone. You know, I respect the school of boxing from Cuba, but now I am asking as a fan. My question is for Canelo. There’s one item missing from you. On the 3rd of May, will you get it back to be complete on the 12th of September in Vegas in the big fight [Crawford]? Are you completing the items [i.e., collecting the missing IBF 168-lb belt to become undisputed super middleweight champion]?” Canelo, however, deftly avoided answering the question. He responded with a brief, “Hey, man. I’m going to look great,” before moving on. When Turki pointed out the WBC belt, Canelo reiterated, “The belt. I got you. Don’t worry.” Canelo’s deflection was a clear indication that he was not interested in being used to promote the Crawford fight prematurely.
The Spectacle and the Sport
The Crawford fight, as it stands, feels more like a spectacle than a genuine boxing match. It’s reminiscent of the highly publicized but controversial debut of former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in boxing, where he faced Tyson Fury in Riyadh. These one-off, cross-divisional matches are more about creating buzz and drawing in fans than about advancing the sport. Canelo, who has earned his place as one of the greatest boxers of his generation, deserves a fight that respects his achievements and the integrity of the super middleweight division. The path to becoming undisputed should involve facing the best, most deserving contenders, not a high-profile but questionable opponent. As the press conference footage showed, even the presence of the WBC belt didn’t sway Canelo’s focus. He remains committed to his current challenge and the traditional values of the sport.
