In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples throughout the boxing world, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, made a fiery announcement. Alalshikh has placed a staggering $35 million reward for anyone who can defeat Mexican boxing legend Saul “Canelo” Álvarez in the ring. The news comes at a time when boxing fans are eagerly discussing the sport’s most elite fighters, with prominent names such as Terence Crawford and David Benavidez also weighing in on the bold proclamation.

Alalshikh’s declaration has instantly grabbed headlines and ignited conversations within the boxing community, as top fighters across weight classes speculate about the implications of this unprecedented challenge. But what prompted this dramatic announcement? And how are other fighters like Crawford and Benavidez responding to the gauntlet that’s been thrown down?

HE Turki Alalshikh, known for his passion for sports and entertainment, has been instrumental in bringing high-profile boxing events to Saudi Arabia, turning the Kingdom into a burgeoning hub for major international fights. With this recent announcement, he has once again positioned Saudi Arabia as a central player in the boxing landscape.

Offering $35 million as a reward for anyone who can beat Canelo Álvarez is not just a financial incentive—it’s a challenge that targets the heart of professional boxing. Canelo, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, has dominated opponents across multiple weight divisions. Defeating Canelo is no easy task, which is why the bounty attached to such a feat has captured global attention.

By offering such a high-stakes reward, Alalshikh is not only raising the stakes for a Canelo takedown but is also injecting fresh energy into conversations about the sport’s future, big-money fights, and the ever-growing influence of Saudi Arabia in hosting elite-level bouts.

Saul “Canelo” Álvarez’s legacy is well established. He has achieved success across multiple weight divisions, winning titles from light middleweight to light heavyweight. Canelo’s power, defensive skills, and strategic approach to boxing have made him an almost insurmountable force in the ring.

His most recent fights have seen him continue to cement his legacy, despite some close matchups and his only loss to Floyd Mayweather earlier in his career. Given his dominance, many fans and critics wonder if anyone in today’s boxing scene can truly challenge him. This is where the $35 million bounty becomes so enticing—not just for the fighters, but for fans who are eager to see someone finally crack the Canelo code.

The financial reward also speaks to Canelo’s global appeal. With Saudi Arabia emerging as a key player in boxing promotion, Alalshikh’s offer capitalizes on the growing trend of high-profile matches in the Middle East, where prize purses and rewards are increasingly substantial.

Following the news of Alalshikh’s announcement, some of the sport’s biggest names have started to share their thoughts. Terence “Bud” Crawford, the current undisputed welterweight champion and regarded as one of the best fighters of his generation, quickly chimed in on social media.

Crawford, known for his technical prowess and unbeaten record, has long been considered a potential opponent for Canelo, despite the difference in weight classes. He remarked, “$35 million is tempting, but it’s about legacy, not just the money. If Canelo wants a real challenge, he knows where to find me.”

Crawford’s comments have set the stage for potential speculation. Could the welterweight king move up in weight to challenge Canelo? While Crawford has flirted with the idea of fighting at a higher weight class before, the potential challenge of facing Canelo—and the added $35 million reward—could push negotiations into serious territory.

David Benavidez, another top contender in the super middleweight division, also responded to the challenge. Known for his aggressive style and knockout power, Benavidez has been eyeing a showdown with Canelo for quite some time. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This just adds fuel to the fire. I’ve been saying I want Canelo. Now there’s $35 million on the line? Let’s make it happen!”

Benavidez has long been regarded as one of the most dangerous threats to Canelo’s reign in the super middleweight division, and the reward gives even more reason for him to push for the fight that many fans are clamoring for.

With the immense financial backing behind the offer, and Saudi Arabia’s recent history of hosting blockbuster boxing events, it’s highly likely that the country could serve as the venue for a future showdown between Canelo and a worthy challenger.

Saudi Arabia has already made headlines for hosting bouts like the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz in 2019, as well as Tyson Fury’s highly anticipated heavyweight clash with Francis Ngannou in 2023. The Kingdom’s ability to host and promote large-scale events is evident, and Alalshikh’s offer adds further credence to the idea that Saudi Arabia is becoming a go-to destination for major sporting spectacles.

If the $35 million challenge is accepted by a top fighter like Crawford or Benavidez, it’s not hard to imagine the fight taking place in a grand setting like Riyadh or Jeddah. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to bringing world-class sports to the region is stronger than ever, and this latest announcement might be the next step in cementing the Kingdom’s status as a global boxing powerhouse.

For Canelo, this unprecedented bounty only adds to the pressure he already faces as one of the most scrutinized and decorated fighters in the sport. While he has consistently faced top-level competition, a $35 million prize for his defeat turns up the stakes in a unique way.

The pressure to defend his reputation, especially with such a lucrative incentive for his potential opponents, could influence how Canelo approaches future fights. Every top fighter in the world will now have their sights set on dethroning him, knowing the enormous reward that comes with victory.

HE Turki Alalshikh’s $35 million reward has undeniably shaken up the boxing world, bringing both excitement and speculation to the forefront. With top fighters like Terence Crawford and David Benavidez already expressing interest, the possibility of a mega-fight with Canelo Álvarez looms large.

This announcement marks a new chapter in boxing’s evolving landscape, with Saudi Arabia continuing to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the sport’s biggest moments. Now, the world waits to see if anyone can rise to the challenge and take down one of the greatest fighters of this generation—with $35 million as the ultimate prize.