The Unusual Exchange at the Press Conference
At the kickoff press conference for Canelo Alvarez’s undisputed 168-lb championship fight against IBF super middleweight champion William Scull, an intriguing moment of interaction between Canelo’s trainer/manager Eddy Reynoso and Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh caught everyone’s attention. When Reynoso brought the WBC belt on stage, Turki shook his head, signaling him not to display it. This subtle gesture raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the true intentions behind the upcoming fight and the broader plans for the boxing landscape in Saudi Arabia.
Belt Blocked: A Symbolic Gesture
The momentary exchange between Turki and Reynoso was more than just a casual interaction. Turki’s headshake, clearly visible to the audience, seemed to convey a deeper message. Canelo, noticing Turki’s gesture, pointed to the WBC belt, as if seeking confirmation that it should not be part of the display. This unusual request from Turki is puzzling, especially considering that Canelo, currently the WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight champion, is set to capture the IBF title from Scull. The goal is for Canelo to become the undisputed champion, a title that would undoubtedly elevate his status and draw more attention to the fight.
Turki’s Vision for the Future
Despite Turki’s apparent reluctance to display the WBC belt, his broader vision for the future of boxing in Saudi Arabia is clear. Turki, along with UFC president Dana White, is in the process of creating a new boxing league. His goal is to streamline the sport by recognizing only one belt per division. This ambitious plan aims to eliminate the clutter of multiple belt organizations and bring clarity to the championship landscape. However, this raises questions about why Turki would care about Canelo capturing the IBF title if he ultimately plans to recognize only one belt for each division within his new league.
The Strategic Implications
The contradiction in Turki’s actions and his stated goals is evident. If he wants to create a new boxing league with a single belt per division, it seems counterproductive to push for Canelo to become the undisputed champion by capturing all four major titles. This inconsistency suggests that Turki might be more focused on the immediate marketing and promotional value of having an undisputed champion than on the long-term structure of his new league. Nevertheless, the strategic move to have Canelo become the undisputed champion could serve as a strong foundation for his league, making Canelo a central figure and drawing more fans to the new platform.
The Canelo vs. Crawford Rumor
Adding another layer to the complexity is the rumored fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. Canelo has openly discussed the possibility of facing Crawford on September 13th in Las Vegas, a bout he believes could surpass the 2.2 million PPV buys of his 2013 fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. Canelo’s focus, however, remains on his upcoming fight against Scull. The potential for a superfight with Crawford has generated significant excitement, and Canelo’s comments indicate a shift in his priorities. If he can successfully unify the super middleweight division, the fight against Crawford could be a historic event, further solidifying his legacy and the appeal of Turki’s new league.
A New Era in Boxing
Turki Alalshikh’s vision for a new boxing league with a streamlined championship system is ambitious and potentially revolutionary. The success of his enterprise will depend on how well he can navigate the complexities of the current boxing landscape and align the interests of fighters, promoters, and fans. The decision to block the WBC belt at the press conference, while seemingly contradictory, might be a strategic move to build anticipation and maintain focus on the upcoming fight with Scull. As the boxing world watches closely, the true impact of Turki’s plans will become clearer in the coming months, potentially marking the beginning of a new era in the sport.
